KQ 6: How secure was the Soviet Union’s control over E/Europe, 1948-c.1989?

Why was there opposition to Soviet control in Hungary?

1. Repression – AVH (secret police) restricted freedoms, 2,000 executed, 100,000 imprisoned.

2. Control from USSR – Communist leaders unelected, USSR influence in elections.

3. Economy – USSR took industrial goods, causing hardship.

4. Religion – Communists banned religion, Church leaders arrested.

What did Hungarians believe before the uprising?

• USA and UN would support them.

• Khrushchev seemed less ruthless due to de-Stalinization.

How did the USSR initially react?

• Police opened fire on student demonstrations.

• Soviet troops withdrew temporarily but soon returned.

• Nagy became leader and introduced reforms.

What were Nagy’s reforms?

1. Introduce democracy.

2. Freedom of speech & religion.

3. Release political prisoners.

4. Leave the Warsaw Pact (wanted Hungary to be neutral).

How did Khrushchev respond?

• Refused to allow Hungary to leave the Warsaw Pact.

• USSR invaded with tanks and troops.

• Nagy was arrested and executed.

Why was there opposition to Soviet control in Czechoslovakia?

1. Economic hardship – recession, poor conditions, communist restrictions.

2. Dubček’s reforms – promised “Communism with a Human Face”.

How did the USSR react?

• August 1968 – USSR invaded and removed Dubček.

• Thousands fled.

• Brezhnev Doctrine – USSR would intervene in any Eastern Bloc country if communism was threatened.

Why was the USSR worried?

• Czechoslovakia was industrially strong – losing control could weaken USSR.

• Central location – a key strategic position in Europe.

• Other communist leaders pressured Brezhnev to act, fearing reform movements in their own countries.