Khrushchev's aims and 1956

What were the domestic policy aims of Khrushchev?

To consolidate power, to improve living standards and to cut down on corruption through distribution of power.

What was Khrushchev's principal foreign policy aim?

'Peaceful coexistence' which really translated to peaceful competition with the West. Communism by 1980.

What did peaceful coexistence mean?

Defusing military tensions with the USA in an attempt to foster better relations.

What were his other foreign policy aims?

Summit diplomacy, rebuild relations with Tito, ensure West Germany did not pose a threat again, develop the USSR's nuclear capabilities and to enhance Soviet prestige in the Third World.

In what way were Mao's beliefs and foreign policy aims inconsistent with Khrushchev's?

He wanted the PRC to replace the USSR as the leading communist power and he thought a communist victory (in the Cold War) would come by war - he pushed for war when Khrushchev wanted the opposite.

When was the Secret Speech?

25th February 1956 - reached the US State Department by June.

What was the impact of the Secret Speech?

He promised to carry out de-Stalinisation in the Soviet sphere, criticising Stalin's "abuse of power." - as a result, he released many prisoners from the gulag and closed down Cominform.

When was Cominform dissolved?

April 1956

What happened when Khrushchev went to Belgrade in May 1955?

He publicly denounced Stalin for the break in relations in 1948.

What happened between Khrushchev and Tito in 1956?

June - Khrushchev and Tito agreed on polycentrism - that there are multiple paths of communism and that it should be based on consent, not coercion.

What is the significance of Khrushchev and Tito’s meeting in 1956?

Something which would later be undermined - as it raised the question for what would happen when a country wished to move away from USSR control, the extent that a country in the Soviet bloc could carry out reform.

Gomulka and his aims for Poland - 1948

He argued that as Poland had fought for its own liberation, it should decide on the path it would take - this was at odds with Stalin's aims for his sphere of influence.

When was Gomulka expelled from the communist party?

1951

When was the Polish Rising?

June-October 1956

Poland - Who did Khrushchev choose to begin de-Stalinisation?

Edward Ochab

Poland - Why did the rioting break out (and where)?

Poznan - demand for lower food prices and an end to communism (something Khrushchev could not agree to).

Why was the Polish Communists electing Gomulka an issue?

Khrushchev initially objected to Gomulka being in power however Poland was an essential as a route to East Germany.

Mao's significance in the Polish issue

He used his position to support the Polish communists as he was sympathetic to their ideas, pushing Khrushchev to allowing Gomulka to be PM.

Who did Khrushchev replace Matyas Rakosi with?

Erno Gero.

What happened on the 22nd October 1956?

There were large demonstrations in Budapest, calling for the withdrawal of Soviet troops, free elections and a new government under Imre Nagy.

When was Nagy established?

24th October

What was the USSR response to Nagy in power?

They mobilised 30,000 troops with tanks and artillery - mob assaulted communist headquarters and hanged members of the AVH secret police from lampposts.

Why did Soviet troops end up withdrawing from Budapest?

It was largely due to pressure from China.

Mao and Tito's positions on the Hungarian crisis

Mao criticised Khrushchev for not crushing the revolt quickly enough and Tito encouraged Khrushchev to use the Red Army against the Hungarians.

What happened on the 1st November?

He announced that he would withdraw Hungary from the Warsaw pact and that it would become a neutral state. - a step too far for Khrushchev, showing the limits to de-Stalinisation.

What was the USSR's response to Nagy’s announcement?

On the 3rd November, the Soviets sent 15 divisions of the Red Army, 200,000 troops and 4,000 tanks to crush the rebellion.

What was the consequence of the USSR’s response in Hungary?

4,000 people were killed and 200,000 exiled and a new government was installed under Janos Kadar.

What was Eisenhower's response/position on Hungary?

Eisenhower was not willing to risk nuclear war for Eastern Europe, showing how he was unwilling to put a stop to Soviet aggression when it materialised. The Hungarian crisis exposed the limits to US foreign policy. It was a separate sphere and he was more conscious of the upcoming presidential election.

What were Eisenhower's comments on Hungary (quote and when)?

31st October - We are 'ready to assist economically the new independent governments' but 'we could not, of course, carry out this policy by resorting to force' - Suez and could risk nuclear war.