Hungarian+Uprising+-+12-13

Hungarian Revolution  Scott Cho Brief Description

Hungarian revolution took place from October 23rd of 1956 to November 10th of 1956. This movement was like any other revolutions against the government in the physical way, but the relaxation of Cold War during this period led the workers in East Germany and Poland to seek for change. Therefore, they began to challenge the communist government that was taking place. First in October, the uprising actually succeeded in overthrowing the communist government in Hungary region, and their main goal was to claim Hungary out of the communist nations from Warsaw Pact. The revolution, formed by liberal leaders, was destroyed by soviet military power that wanted to crush the fighters. The important fact in relation to the history of United States is that Franklin D Roosevelt did not take any action despite his foreign communist blocking policies because he was afraid that another world war will take place in Europe.

The Major Players

Poland The workers near Poland and East Germany wanted reform of communist government, out of many European powers and Warsaw Pact countries.

Hungary Hungary was the main place that Hungarian revolution took place; in October 23 of 1956, the students and workers revolted against the soviet controlled communist government.

Soviets (Russia) Soviets have been controlling Hungary since 1945; when they heard about Hungarians dismissing from Warsaw pact, they treated Hungary with military force by sending tanks to Budapest.

United States Although United States had many policies in regards to helping and aiding revolutions relating to communism such as Eisenhower doctrine, they decided to stay out of the Hungarian revolution because they figured that it was too dangerous to get involved directly within Europe.

The Major Dates 1945 - From since 1945, the Hungarians were under the control of Moscow and the communist government.

1950s - The Cold War tensions begin to become loose.

February, 1956 - Khruschev became the new leader of Russia and he criticized Stalin's nonaggressive policies.

July, 1956 - Rakosi, the leader Hungarian communist politician, was forced to resign, and Hungary also faced natural disasters such as cold weather, bad harvest, and shortage of oil.

**October 23, 1956 -** Budapest, the capital of Hungary, was taken over by the students and workers of the street who were protesting against the restricted communist government under Soviet control. They issued sixteen points of demand that required personal rights, more food, freedom from security police, and others. This was the start of the Hungarian revolution.

October 31, 1956 - Hungary announces that they will withdraw from the Warsaw Pact of communists in public, which angered the Russian government tremendously.

November 4, 1956 - Soviet tanks entered Budapest to control the revolting Hungarians



**November 14, 1956 -** The Hungarian revolution was over, and the government became more stable again under the Soviet control. The Soviet ruler was was established again. This marked the end of Hungarian Revolution.

The Outcome Prior to the revolution, back in United States, Dulles was a critic that criticized Truman's containment policy and how it was very lenient. His ideal was to liberate captive nations in Europe. The Hungarian revolution and Eisenhower's decision to not get involved in European revolutions gave a positive impact because not only did it ended Dulles' argument of liberation and strict policy, United States showed de facto recognition toward Soviets. First of all, Dulles' argument of liberation became inevitably unaffordable because Hungarian revolution showed that Soviets were directly involved, and any conflict may cause in disaster such as massive retaliation. Although the revolution in whole was a failure, it gave positive impact on both US and Soviets regardless of Soviets taking over Hungary again.

The Influence in Cold War The Cold War and Hungarian Revolution didn't involve United States directly, but it did help the tension of Cold War loosen in perspective of United States. When the Soviet tanks rolled into Hungary, United States had de facto recognition on the Soviet influence in which United States did not intervene directly, but they were still watching over. Eisenhower made the right choice of staying out of the revolution because if he did send troops to suport Hungarian revolts, there would have been a huge conflict with the Soviets and the Warsaw Pact powers in Europe. In general, although Hungarian revolution itself gave a little bit of awareness from people revolting against communist control, de facto of United States helped the tension not get any worse during Cold War.

Bibliography

"Anti-Soviet Movements in 1956." Hungarian Revolution 1956. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .

"The Hungarian Revolution, 1956." The Hungarian Revolution, 1956. N.p., 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2013 .

"Hungary 1956 - Reading Guide." Libcom.org. N.p., 4 Oct. 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .

"The Hungarian Uprising of 1956." The Hungarian Uprising of 1956. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .

Images

"Hungary 1956 - Reading Guide." Libcom.org. N.p., 4 Oct. 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .

"The Hungarian Uprising of 1956." The Hungarian Uprising of 1956. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .