Similarity of Events in Hungary & Czechoslovakia (Cambridge (CIE) O Level History): Revision Note
Similarities Between Hungary and Czechoslovakia
Modern historians find it useful to compare the causes, events and outcomes of the Hungarian Uprising and the Prague Spring because:
The events happened under two different Communist leaders
There are many similarities, showing a lack of change in the USSR
Similarity | Explanation |
|---|---|
Unhappiness living under Communism caused the crisis | Both Hungary and Czechoslovakia experienced economic depression and a low standard of living. This motivated people to demand reform |
A desire to reform Communism | Nagy desired to create free elections and remove Soviet troops. Dubcek wanted ‘socialism with a human face.’ He wanted to develop new ideas for Communism |
Reform coming from within the satellite states’ Communist Party | The Communist governments of Hungary and Czechoslovakia pursued reform |
Armed response from the USSR | Both Khrushchev and Brezhnev sent Soviet troops and tanks to stop the reforms. The USSR removed both Nagy and Dubcek and replaced them with pro-Soviet leaders. Both countries remained part of the Warsaw Pact |
Response from the West | The West condemned, but did not attempt to stop, the USSR’s actions against Hungary and Czechoslovakia. They accepted that both countries were part of the Soviet sphere of influence. The USA used propaganda such as Radio Free Europe to try and turn the Eastern Bloc against the USSR. |
Differences Between Hungary and Czechoslovakia
Difference | Explanation |
|---|---|
Expected reaction to reform by Soviet leader | Hungarians believed that Khrushchev would be open to allowing reform. Czechoslovakians knew that Brezhnev would not be as tolerant |
The importance of the Warsaw Pact | Nagy wanted to remove Hungary from the Warsaw Pact. Dubcek was a devout Communist. He always wanted Czechoslovakia to remain a member of the Warsaw Pact |
The power of the people | Hungarian student protestors, inspired by events in Poland, were very powerful. They forced the USSR to replace Rákosi with Nagy. In Czechoslovakia, the people wanted change. However, the Communist Party were the driving force for reform |
The openness of the Soviet leader to reform | Khrushchev encouraged the formation of Nagy’s government. He wanted some reforms to make Communism look better to the world. Brezhnev was concerned and resistant to reform |
The destruction caused | The Hungarian Uprising saw two weeks of fighting resulting in 20,000 deaths and 200,000 refugees. The Czechoslovakians did not fight back. They used peaceful protest such as standing in front of tanks and giving Soviet troops flowers |
Worked Example
How far do you agree that resistance to Soviet domination broke out in Hungary (1956) and Czechoslovakia (1968) for the same reasons? Explain your answer
10 marks
Partial answer:
Some people may argue that there were similarities between the Hungarian and Czechoslovakian resistance (1). People in both countries had issues with Soviet control. In Hungary, Nagy wanted the removal of all Soviet troops. Similarly, Dubcek wanted the Czech people to be able to criticise the Communist Party without punishment (1). This shows a clear similarity as both countries were motivated to reform Communism within their own countries to reduce Soviet influence (1).
Examiner Tips and Tricks
This style of question on Paper One requires you to:
Provide a balanced argument. You should have a minimum of three explanations (two on one side; one on the other)
The strength of both sides of the argument. A desire to reform Communism is a clear similarity between the resistance in Hungary and Czechoslovakia. However, in Hungary, the student protestors were the key group behind change whereas in Czechoslovakia, the government led the reforms
Conclude your thoughts with a reflection on the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement. Use words like 'partially' or 'fully' to explain this
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