The Hungarian Uprising

• What event marked the beginning of the Cold War's most critical phase?

  The Hungarian Uprising in 1956
• Why were the Hungarian people unhappy in 1956?

  They had no freedom of speech and were oppressed by the communist regime
• Who was the Hungarian leader before Imre Nagy?

  Matyas Rakosi
• What was the role of the AVH in Hungary?

  The AVH created a climate of fear by arresting dissenters
• What did Khrushchev's 'secret speech' denounce?

  Stalin's crimes and human rights abuses
• What reforms did Imre Nagy propose?

  Free elections, an impartial legal system, and withdrawal of Soviet troops
• What was the Warsaw Pact?

  A military alliance of communist countries
• Why did Khrushchev refuse to accept Hungary leaving the Warsaw Pact?

  It would create a gap in the USSR's buffer zone with Western Europe
• What happened to Imre Nagy after the Soviet crackdown?

  He was arrested and executed
• What was the international reaction to the Hungarian Uprising?

  NATO countries were unwilling to intervene
• What did the UN declare regarding the treatment of Hungarians?

  It expressed disgust at the treatment of Hungarians
• What were the main causes of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956?

  • Oppression by the communist regime
  • Lack of freedom of speech
  • Economic hardship due to Soviet presence
  • Influence of Khrushchev's 'secret speech'
• What were the consequences of the Hungarian Uprising?

  • Soviet military crackdown
  • Arrest and execution of Imre Nagy
  • Replacement of leadership with János Kádár
  • No military intervention from NATO
• What reforms did Imre Nagy implement during his leadership?

  • Free elections
  • Impartial legal system
  • Withdrawal of Soviet troops
  • Private ownership for farmers
  • Declaration of neutrality in the Cold War