After
Stalin's death in 1953, a more moderate line of Communism was permitted in
Hungary. The Hungarian leader, Imre Nagy, championed this moderate line,
known as the "New Course". Yet by 1955, hardline Communists were
back in power, Nagy was deposed, and Hungary was put back under harsh Communist
rule.
A
new Communist leader, Erno Gero, was imposed on Hungary in 1956. Hungarian
intellectuals and students began to demand reform, taking no notice of their new
leader. Huge demonstrations took place in Budapest, the capital of
Hungary. On October 23, one such demonstration led to a violent conflict
with the Police. Hungarians everywhere defied the Communists and Gero appealed to the Soviet Red Army
for help.
With
the determination of the Hungarian people, Nagy was restored as Prime Minister,
and he promised democratic reform. Soviet troops marched into Hungary to
put a stop to the 'revolution'. Nagy appealed to the United Nations to
recognise Hungary's new position, but was ignored.
On
November 4 1956, Soviet troops overthrew Nagy. He was taken to Romania,
and tried and executed for treason by the Hungarians in 1958.
Primary