Khrushchev and East-West relations, 1955-60​

What triggered the unrest in Poland in 1956?

Economic hardship, food shortages, and opposition to Soviet control.

Who became the new Polish leader after the crisis?

Władysław Gomułka.

Why did Khrushchev allow Gomułka to remain in power?

Gomułka agreed to stay within the Warsaw Pact and maintain loyalty to the USSR.

What was the significance of the Polish crisis?

It showed Khrushchev was prepared to compromise, suggesting some flexibility in Eastern Europe.

What caused the Hungarian Uprising of 1956?

Anti-Soviet sentiment, desire for political reforms, and inspired confidence after events in Poland.

Who led the Hungarian reform movement?

Imre Nagy.

What radical reforms did Nagy propose?

With a full military invasion in November 1956, crushing the uprising.

What was the significance of the Hungarian Uprising?

It proved limits to Khrushchev’s reforms—Soviet control of Eastern Europe would be maintained by force if needed.

What was Khrushchev’s policy of ‘peaceful coexistence’?

A strategy to ease tensions with the West while continuing competition with capitalism.

Why did Khrushchev adopt this policy?

Economic pressure, desire to reduce military spending, and belief that socialism would win without war.

Which events supported the idea of peaceful coexistence?

• The Austrian State Treaty (1955)

• Geneva Summit (1955)

improved cultural and diplomatic relations.

Which events undermined peaceful coexistence?

• Hungarian Uprising (1956)

• U-2 spy plane incident (1960)

• tensions over Berlin

Overall, how successful was peaceful coexistence?

Mixed—some reduction in tensions but frequent crises showed underlying rivalry persisted.

What was Austria’s status after WWII?

Divided into zones controlled by the USA, USSR, UK, and France (similar to Germany).

What did the Austrian State Treaty achieve?

Restored a unified, independent Austria and declared permanent neutrality.

Why was the treaty significant?

It showed cooperation between superpowers was still possible and was seen as a success for peaceful coexistence.

How did the Austrian settlement differ from Germany’s?

Austria was neutral and unified; Germany remained divided.

What replaced Stalin’s hostile foreign policy after 1953?

A more conciliatory approach—“peaceful coexistence”—championed by Khrushchev.

What was the significance of Khrushchev’s 1956 ‘Secret Speech’?

It criticised Stalin’s terror and encouraged reformist expectations across Eastern Europe.

What role did summits play in Khrushchev’s diplomacy?

They promoted dialogue (Geneva 1955, Camp David 1959), though often without major agreements.

What events worsened relations by 1960?

The U-2 crisis, repeated Berlin tensions, and Soviet fears about West German rearmament.

What technological development increased competition during this period?

The Space Race—USSR launched Sputnik in 1957.

What was the overall impact of Khrushchev’s leadership on Cold War relations?

He brought some thaw and diplomacy but also triggered crises that intensified tension.

What did the Polish and Hungarian risings reveal?

The instability of Soviet control and the limits of de-Stalinisation.

How did peaceful coexistence shape the late 1950s?

Encouraged dialogue but could not prevent ideological rivalry and major confrontations.

Why was the late 1950s an unstable period in the Cold War?

Competing reforms, nuclear rivalry, crises in Europe, and superpower distrust.