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The Hungarian Uprising of October–November 1956 was one of the most dramatic events of the early Cold War. It showed the limits of both de-Stalinisation and Western support for Eastern Europe, and it demonstrated that the Soviet Union was willing to use overwhelming force to maintain its sphere of influence.
After the Second World War, Hungary became a Soviet satellite state. A communist government was installed, and Hungary joined the Warsaw Pact in 1955. Life under Soviet control was characterised by:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Political repression | Secret police (AVO/AVH) arrested, tortured, and executed opponents |
| Economic hardship | Hungarian resources were exploited to benefit the Soviet Union; food shortages were common |
| Cultural control | Russian language compulsory in schools; Hungarian traditions suppressed |
| Leader | Matyas Rakosi — a hardline Stalinist, deeply unpopular |
| Religion | Religious leaders imprisoned; Catholic Cardinal Mindszenty jailed |
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