USSR’s control over EE - exemplary 4 Markers

What impact did the construction of the Berlin Wall have on the citizens of Berlin?

- The Berlin Wall was built on 13th August 1961, abruptly dividing East and West Berlin.

- Families were separated, and at least 140 people were killed trying to cross to the West.

- Over 60,000 East Berliners lost their jobs in the West as a result of the division.

- The wall became a symbol of oppression, prompting John F. Kennedy's 1963 speech, "Ich bin ein Berliner."

What changes did Nagy want to make to Communist rule in Hungary?

- On 1st November 1956, Nagy announced Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact.

- He proposed free elections and a multi-party political system.

- He sought greater personal freedoms, including freedom of speech and religion.

- Nagy wanted the withdrawal of Soviet troops, challenging Soviet authority.

What restrictions had the Communist leader Rakosi imposed on Hungary?

- Mátyás Rákosi ruled Hungary between 1949 and 1956, enforcing Stalinist policies.

- His secret police, the AVH, arrested and executed people

- He implemented strict censorship, banning political opposition.

- His focus on heavy industry led to economic hardship and food shortages.

Describe events in Poland between 1980 and 1982 involving 'Solidarity'

-In August 1980, workers in Gdańsk, led by Lech Wałęsa, formed Solidarity.

- By 1981, it had 9.5 million members, about one-third of Poland's workforce.

- On 13th December 1981, General Jaruzelski declared martial law, banning Solidarity.

- By 1982, 6,000 activists were arrested, and Solidarity was forced underground.

Describe the events in Hungary in October and November 1956

- On 23rd October 1956, student protests in Budapest escalated into an uprising.

- On 1st November, Nagy declared Hungary's neutrality and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact.

- On 4th November, 1,000 Soviet tanks invaded, crushing the rebellion.

- Imre Nagy was executed on 16th June 1958, and Hungary remained under Soviet control.

Describe events in Hungary in 1956

- The Hungarian Uprising began on 23rd October 1956 as protests against Soviet rule.

- Soviet troops initially withdrew, but returned with 30,000 soldiers and 1000 tanks.

- Around 20,000 Hungarians were killed, and 200,000 fled as refugees.

- Imre Nagy was executed in June 1958, and Hungary remained under Soviet control.

Describe how the Soviet Union responded to the uprising in Hungary in 1956

- On 4th November 1956, the USSR invaded with 1,000 tanks and 200,000 troops.

- Around 3000 Hungarians were killed, and 200,000 exiled

- Imre Nagy was captured and executed in June 1958.

- János Kádár was installed as a pro-Soviet leader, enforcing strict communist rule.

What action did the Soviet Union take against the Czechoslovakian people in 1968?

- On 20th August 1968, the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia with 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops.

- Reformist leader Alexander Dubček was arrested and forced to sign the Moscow Protocol.

- The Prague Spring reforms were reversed, ending hopes of a freer form of communism.

- The Brezhnev Doctrine justified future Soviet interventions in Eastern Europe.

What actions did the Soviet Union take against the Hungarian people in 1956?

- On 4th November 1956, the USSR launched a full-scale invasion using 1,000 tanks.

- Around 3000 Hungarians were killed, and Imre Nagy was executed in June 1958.

- 200,000 Hungarians fled to the West as refugees.

- János Kádár was installed as a pro-Soviet leader, enforcing communist rule.

Describe the impact on the people of Eastern Europe of Soviet control in the 1950s and 1960s.

- Secret police, such as the Stasi in East Germany, suppressed dissent and monitored citizens.

- The Hungarian Uprising (1956) and Prague Spring (1968) were brutally crushed.

- The Berlin Wall was built in 1961, restricting movement between East and West.

- Economic hardship and shortages were common due to Soviet-controlled economies.