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The Cold War in the 1950s
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In the 1950s the Cold War spread to Asia, the Soviet bloc gained its own alliance, and Hungary's bid for freedom was crushed.
The Korean War, 1950 to 53
In June 1950 communist North Korea invaded South Korea.
A UN force, mostly American, pushed back the invasion; when it neared China's border, China sent huge armies.
An armistice in 1953 left Korea divided near where it started.
A UN force, mostly American, pushed back the invasion; when it neared China's border, China sent huge armies.
An armistice in 1953 left Korea divided near where it started.
Khrushchev and the Warsaw Pact
Stalin died in 1953. Khrushchev became leader and in his 'Secret Speech' (1956) attacked Stalin's crimes: de-Stalinisation.
This raised hopes of more freedom in Eastern Europe.
The Warsaw Pact (1955) was a military alliance of the USSR and its Eastern European allies, formed after West Germany joined NATO.
This raised hopes of more freedom in Eastern Europe.
The Warsaw Pact (1955) was a military alliance of the USSR and its Eastern European allies, formed after West Germany joined NATO.
Hungary, 1956
Hungarians hated the harsh rule of Rákosi, who was removed in 1956.
Imre Nagy became leader and announced Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact.
In November 1956 Soviet tanks crushed the rising; thousands died. Nagy was later executed.
The West did not intervene.
Imre Nagy became leader and announced Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact.
In November 1956 Soviet tanks crushed the rising; thousands died. Nagy was later executed.
The West did not intervene.
Why did Khrushchev send tanks into Hungary in 1956?
- Nagy announced Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact.
- If Hungary left, other states might follow.
- This would break up the Soviet buffer zone.
Answer: Hungary leaving the Warsaw Pact threatened Soviet control of Eastern Europe.
Korea (1950 to 53): North invaded South; UN forces and China joined; armistice 1953. Khrushchev's de-Stalinisation (1956) raised hopes. The Warsaw Pact formed in 1955. Hungary 1956: Rákosi removed, Nagy announced leaving the Warsaw Pact; Soviet tanks crushed the rising.
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