1956 - Hungarian Uprising

• What sphere of influence did Hungary fall into after World War II?

  Soviet sphere of influence
• Who was the leader of Hungary from 1949?

  Mátyás Rákosi - a Stalinist who didnt tolerate any opposition
• What was the reaction to the arrest of Cardinal Mindszenty in Hungary?

  It caused particular anger among religious leaders
• What did students in Budapest call for?

  They called for change,

  Removal of rakosi and greater freedoms and civil rights
• On what date did students take to the streets in Budapest?

  October 23, 1956
• What did the protestors in Budapest demand?

  They demanded civil rights
• Who was Imre Nagy?

  A communist leader who supported reforms
• What did Nagy announce on November 1?

  Hungary was now an independent and neutral country
• What was the USSR's response to Hungary's declaration of independence?

  They overpowered the Hungarians
• How many Hungarians were killed during the uprising?

  2,000 killed
• What happened to Imre Nagy after the uprising?

  He was forced from power and executed
• What was Eisenhower's response to the Hungarian uprising?

  He stated Hungary was within Soviet influence - not his place to react
• What were the key events leading to the Hungarian uprising of 1956?


  • Hungary fell under Soviet influence post-WWII
  • Cardinal Mindszenty's arrest angered religious leaders
  • destalinisation
• What were the consequences of the Hungarian uprising?

  • 2,000 Hungarians killed
  • 200,000 fled to Austria
  • Imre Nagy executed
  • USSR maintained control over Hungary