How effective was Soviet control over Eastern Europe?

• What significant event occurred in Poland in 1956?

  The 1956 Polish Crisis occurred.
• What triggered the protests in Poland during the summer of 1956?

  Strikes over pay initiated the protests.
• How many workers were killed during the Polish protests in 1956?

  74 workers were killed.
• Who was Wladyslaw Gomulka and what was his role in the 1956 Polish Crisis?

  He was the communist leader rehabilitated and appointed general secretary of the Polish Communist Party.
• How did Khrushchev react to the Polish refusal to go to Moscow?

  He was outraged and threatened to use troops to restore control.
• What was Gomulka's response to Khrushchev's threat of armed intervention?

  He insisted the Polish army would resist but promised loyalty to the Communist Party and the Warsaw Pact.
• What decision did Khrushchev ultimately make regarding the Polish situation?

  Khrushchev decided to back down and allow Poland to follow its own path.
• What did the Polish situation in 1956 illustrate about the Soviet Union's control?

  It illustrated that the Soviet Union's iron grip had loosened.
• What major international event occurred in 1956 related to the Suez Canal?

  The Suez Crisis occurred.
• Why was the Suez Canal significant for Britain?

  It was a vital route connecting the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean and Britain's empire.
• What action did Egyptian President Abdul Nasser take regarding the Suez Canal in 1956?

  He nationalized the canal.
• Who did British PM Anthony Eden collude with to oust the Egyptians?

  He colluded with Israel.
• What was the plan for the invasion of Egypt in 1956?

  Israel would invade, followed by an Anglo-French peacekeeping force.
• What was significant about Eden's communication regarding the invasion plan?

  Eden did not inform the House of Commons or the USA about the secret deal.
• What threat did the Soviet Union make during the Suez Crisis?

  They threatened to intervene on the side of Egypt.
• How did US President Eisenhower respond to the Suez Crisis?

  He forced the British to withdraw to prevent escalation of the Cold War.
• What was the outcome for Eden following the Suez Crisis?

  Eden was humiliated by the events.
• How did Hungary's stance towards the USSR differ from Poland's in 1956?

  Hungary looked to become neutral and sever ties with the Soviet Union.
• When did Hungarian reformers begin demonstrating in Budapest?

  On 22 October 1956.
• What were the demands of the Hungarian reformers during the demonstrations in 1956?

  They demanded political reforms and greater autonomy from the Soviet Union.
• What was the outcome of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956?

  The uprising was ultimately suppressed by Soviet forces.
• How did the international community react to the Hungarian Uprising?

  The international community largely condemned the Soviet intervention but did not intervene militarily.