Khrushchev - GCSE History Definition

Nikita Khrushchev was the leader of the Soviet Union from 1955 to 1964, during the Cold War, which was a period of tension between the Soviet Union and the Western countries, especially the United States. He is known for a process called "de-Stalinisation," which aimed to reduce the repressive policies of his predecessor, Joseph Stalin. Khrushchev made major changes in Soviet policies and improved relations with some Western countries, but he also played a part in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when the world came close to nuclear war.

Despite some of his reforms, he was eventually removed from power in 1964. Understanding Khrushchev's leadership helps students grasp the dynamics of global politics during the mid-20th century and its impact on the world today.