Causes of Opposition
History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 6.1.1
Key Figures in Hungary and Soviet Control
After WW2, Hungary resisted Soviet domination. However, the Red Army occupied Hungary in 1945. Stalin ensured a Communist government through rigged elections.
Mátyás Rákosi
- A Hungarian communist politician who led Hungary from 1947 to 1956.
- Stalin’s main ally in Hungary.
- Used terror and show trials to crush opposition.
- Lost power after Stalin’s death (1953).
Imre Nagy
- Became Prime Minister of Hungary in 1953 as a more moderate Communist.
- Promised reforms and a fairer government.
- Removed in 1955 by Rákosi but returned in 1956 during the crisis.
Ernő Gerő
- Replaced Rákosi as Hungary's leader in July 1956.
- Another Stalinist, unpopular with the public.
- Failed to control growing protests and demonstrations.
Nikita Khrushchev
- He took power after Stalin’s death and led the USSR from 1953 to 1964.
- Criticised Stalin’s brutality in his “Secret Speech”, calling for reform in Eastern Europe.
- Allowed reforms in Poland, bringing Władysław Gomułka to power.
- Faced growing unrest in Hungary after his speech.
Władysław Gomułka
- A moderate Communist leader accepted by Khrushchev.
- His success in Poland inspired Hungarian reformers and students.
Test yourself on Causes of Opposition
Which leader’s harsh rule directly followed Stalin’s policies in Hungary?
What did Hungarian protesters demand in 1956?