Similarity of Events in Hungary & Czechoslovakia (Cambridge (CIE) O Level History): Revision Note

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

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.

A photograph showing Soviet tanks in Budapest, Hungary in 1956
A photograph showing Soviet tanks in Budapest, Hungary in 1956
A photograph sent to the Swiss Ambassador showing Soviet tanks outside the Swiss Embassy in Prague in 1968
A photograph sent to the Swiss Ambassador showing Soviet tanks outside the Swiss Embassy in Prague in 1968

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

A photograph of the streets of Budapest showing the destruction caused by the uprising in 1956. Image courtesy of FOTO:FORTEPAN
A photograph of the streets of Budapest showing the destruction caused by the uprising in 1956. Image courtesy of FOTO:FORTEPAN
A photograph showing Czech citizens blocking the path of Soviet tanks in Prague, 1968
A photograph showing Czech citizens blocking the path of Soviet tanks in Prague, 1968

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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Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History Content Creator

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography, History, Religious Studies & Environmental Studies Subject Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.