Khrushchev and the response of the USSR 1955-56

The Thaw

Stalin died in 1953 (KH emerged as new leader by 1955), policies suggest a thaw in Cold War & raised hope of a change in Eastern Europe

Improved relations

KH visited Yugoslavia and apologised for Stalin’s treatment of them, he also met with West leaders in Geneva

The Secret Speech (1956)

KH denounced Stalin’s policies and urged peaceful coexistence with non communist countries

De-Stalinisation

Stalins appointees lost their jobs and his pictures were removed, this removed the fear that kept EE under control

Cominform Broken up

Suggested USSR might loosen its grip on satellite states

Hopes raised

Satellite states hoped for a more relaxed government and a better standard of living, KH spoke of “different roads to socialism” which suggested not everyone must follow the USSR model

Mixed Messages

Changes weren’t right away as the USSR still dominated in the Warsaw pact, led to riots in Poland and Czech in July 1956, people expected more freedom than what they got