Hungarian Uprising (1956)
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was an uprising against the People’s Republic of Hungary, the Soviet-based government. Though the Soviet Union crushed the uprising, it was the first major threat to their control since they drove out the Nazis at the end of World War II.
The revolt began on the 23rd of October as a student demonstration that marched through Budapest, the Hungarian capital, to the
parliament building. As they marched they announced their Sixteen Points, which demanded more food, personal freedoms, and an end to the Russian police and government. A group of students attempted to go into a radio tower to further broadcast their demands, and were denied. When the outside demonstrators demanded for the release of the group of students, they were fired upon. News of the demonstration, as well as violence, spread quickly. The government of Hungary collapsed. By the end of October, temporary ruling councils had been set up, free elections were pledged to the people, and most fighting stopped.
The Soviet leaders had previously claimed to be willing to negotiate a withdrawal of Soviet forces. However, on the 4th of
November, a Soviet force of over 30,000 invaded Hungary and wrestled back their control. Over 3,000 civilians were killed. The attack helped to control the Soviet Union’s claim on Eastern Europe, but alienated Western Marxists. Today, the 23rd of October is a national Hungarian holiday.
The revolt began on the 23rd of October as a student demonstration that marched through Budapest, the Hungarian capital, to the
parliament building. As they marched they announced their Sixteen Points, which demanded more food, personal freedoms, and an end to the Russian police and government. A group of students attempted to go into a radio tower to further broadcast their demands, and were denied. When the outside demonstrators demanded for the release of the group of students, they were fired upon. News of the demonstration, as well as violence, spread quickly. The government of Hungary collapsed. By the end of October, temporary ruling councils had been set up, free elections were pledged to the people, and most fighting stopped.
The Soviet leaders had previously claimed to be willing to negotiate a withdrawal of Soviet forces. However, on the 4th of
November, a Soviet force of over 30,000 invaded Hungary and wrestled back their control. Over 3,000 civilians were killed. The attack helped to control the Soviet Union’s claim on Eastern Europe, but alienated Western Marxists. Today, the 23rd of October is a national Hungarian holiday.
THE HUNGARIAN UPRISING
This site contains a short overview on the Hungarian Uprising and the reasons behind it.
BBC - THE HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION
For an interesting, easy-to-understand explanation of the uprising that explains the causes of the rebellion, visit this site.