Hungarian Revolution 1956

The historical 1956 revolution also known as the Hungarian Revolution was actually a scathing protest against the anomalous policies of the reigning communist government of Hungary, (led by Mátyás Rákosi) entailing economic stagnation and subsequently a lowering of the standard of living of the people. Starting on October 23, this nation-wide protest spanned for a little less than one month i.e. November 10.

In the aftermath of the resignation of Rákosi, certain sections of the society like journalists, writers and students garnered enough strength and gradually emerged as a potential threat against the government. Intellectual forums were started which attracted hundreds of fellow Hungarians. Matters became worse when on October 16, 1956 the student wing of the government severed all its ties with the government. However, this was merely the initial stage of the Hungarian Revolution.

This initial protest started in front of the Parliament building after running through the streets of Budapest gradually snowballed into the historic Hungarian Revolution and spilled over throughout Hungary after the students attempt to voice their demands in the Radio Budapest building was foiled by the State Security Police. Citizens unleashed their resentment against the indiscriminate firing of the State Security Police (ÁVH) and Soviet troops by setting ablaze police cars and destroying all signs of the communist regime.

In an attempt to restore normalcy and bring an end to the Hungarian Revolution, the then secretary of the Hungarian Communist Party Ernő Gerő ordered the Soviet military to take full control of the situation. From October 24, Soviet tanks were stationed outside the parliament; all important crossroads and bridges were blocked and barricades were set up across the capital city to thwart all attempts of the protesters to fuel the revolt.

On October 24, Hungarian Revolution witnessed a transformation in the political scenario as Imre Nagy was elected the Prime Minister. Quite diplomatically, Nagy used the radio as his medium to voice his plea to the masses to bring an end to the violence and promising them political and social reforms in return. However, situations worsened from October 25 onwards as protesters in large numbers inhumanly open fired on their fellow citizens right in front of the parliament house.

In a final attempt to suppress the Hungarian Revolution Nagy formed a non-communist government on October 27, 1956. Subsequently, fascism was abolished. The gradual release of several political leaders led to the formation of a coalition government. Local bodies and workers councils were given autonomy and were assigned some responsibilities.

Between mid-November to mid-December, the workers council entered into a pact with the invading Soviets. The Hungarian Revolution created ripples in the international political scenario as factions within the Communist Party became easily perceptible. To conclude, it marked the darkest moment in the Cold War. Hungarian Revolution of 1956.