Causes of the Hungarian Uprising, 1956 Flashcards

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Why did many Hungarians dislike Soviet control after the Second World War?

The Soviet Union kept troops in Hungary and forced the country to follow communism. Many people felt they had lost their freedom and independence.

Who was Mátyás Rákosi and how did his rule help cause the uprising?

Rákosi was the hardline communist leader of Hungary. He used terror, prison camps and the secret police, so many people hated his rule.

How did the secret police (AVH) increase anger in Hungary before 1956?

The AVH arrested, tortured and sometimes killed anyone who spoke out against the government. This fear and cruelty made many Hungarians want change.

How did everyday living standards in Hungary help cause the uprising?

Wages were low, there were shortages of food and goods, and many people lived in poor housing. Hungarians blamed Soviet control and Rákosi's policies for their hard lives.

Why did religious policies in Hungary cause resentment?

The communist government attacked the Catholic Church, took its land and closed many religious schools. Important church leaders were jailed, so believers felt their faith was under threat.

What was Khrushchev's secret speech and why did it raise hopes in Hungary?

In 1956 Soviet leader Khrushchev gave a secret speech criticising Stalin's harsh rule. Many Hungarians thought this meant control would relax and that they could demand reforms.

How did events in Poland in 1956 encourage Hungarians to protest?

Workers in Poland staged protests and the Soviets allowed the new Polish leader to bring in some reforms. Hungarians saw this and believed they too might win more freedom.

Why did many Hungarians want Imre Nagy to return as leader in 1956?

Nagy was a communist who seemed more moderate and open to change than Rákosi. People believed he would end terror, improve living standards and bring in political reforms.

How did Soviet economic control over Hungary help lead to the uprising?

Hungary had to trade on unfair terms with the Soviet Union and help pay for Soviet troops. This damaged Hungary's economy and made people angry at Moscow's control.

What immediate event on 23 October 1956 triggered the start of the Hungarian Uprising?

Students in Budapest organised a large peaceful march to demand reforms and the return of Nagy. When police tried to stop them and shots were fired, the protest turned into a full uprising.