The Hungarian Revolution of 1956

A nationwide uprising against Soviet-backed rule that was crushed by Soviet troops.

Background

Hungary's Stalinist leadership had imposed harsh policies, political repression and economic hardship. After Stalin's death and Khrushchev's criticism of his rule in 1956, demands for reform grew among students and intellectuals.

Course of events

On 23 October 1956 a student demonstration in Budapest turned into an uprising. Imre Nagy became prime minister and promised reforms, including leaving the Warsaw Pact. On 4 November Soviet forces attacked Budapest, and fighting went on for days.

Legacy

Thousands of Hungarians and many Soviet soldiers died, and some two hundred thousand people fled the country. Nagy was executed in 1958. The Western powers did not intervene, and the events strongly influenced views of Soviet power.