Cold War; peaceful co-existence

Front

Who had succeeded Stalin as the leader of the USSR by 1955?

Back

Khrushchev.

Front

What did Khrushchev do to show he was different from Stalin after calling for "De-Stalinisation"?

Back

He released thousands of political prisoners, sacked Stalin's foreign minister Molotov and closed down the Cominform.

Front

What was the policy called that Khrushchev followed?

Back

"Peaceful co-existence."

Front

Why did Khrushchev follow a policy of "peaceful co-existence" with the West?

Back

He didn't want to spend large amounts on the military. He needed to spend money improving living conditions in the USSR and to improving trade with western countries.

Front

Why were leaders in the West not convinced that Khrushchev fully believed in his policy of "peaceful co-existence" with the West?

Back

Khrushchev was still completely committed to communist ideology. He set up the Warsaw Pact, which was similar to Stalin's policy of using Eastern Europe as a "buffer" against attack from the West. When people in Eastern Europe e.g., Hungary protested against Soviet rule, he responded with force.

Front

In what year did the Communist party become the largest party in Hungary?

Back

1947

Front

Who ruled Hungary between 1949 and 1956?

Back

Rakosi

Front

Why was Rakosi and Communist rule so unpopular by 1956 in Hungary?

Back

There was no freedom of speech and people lived in fear of the secret police. They resented the large number of troops in their country. Hungary's economy was weak, which led to food shortages.

Front

What did Khrushchev do in June 1956?

Back

He made Rakosi retire "for health reasons."

Front

Who was the new leader of Hungary?

Back

Erno Gero