Consequences of de-Stalinization

Question 1

1st consequence

Answer 1

The 1st effect was that de-Stalinisation created an idea of peaceful co-existence, improving US-Soviet relations

• Khrushchev openly criticized Stalin’s policies and suggested there should be peaceful coexistence
• This was based on a growing belief in the Soviet Union that communist philosophy was so superior to that in the West that capitalism would eventually collapse
• So in the meantime, there was little point in having an open confrontation which may lead to a destructive war between the superpowers
• The more positive approach of both Khrushchev and Eisenhower created hope for reducing tension and moving towards peaceful coexistence

Question 2

2nd consequence

Answer 2

The 2nd effect of de-Stalinisation was that it led to the Soviet invasion of Hungary, worsening relations between superpowers

• Khrushchev criticizing Stalin’s repressive regime and the Soviet Union granting concessions after the revolt in Poland in June 1956 encouraged Hungary to push for reforms
• The former prime minister of Hungary, Rakosi, a firm supporter of Stalin was replaced with Nagy who announced a set of proposal reforms, which included Hungary leaving the Warsaw Pact
• This concerned Khrushchev that if Hungary left, other Eastern European countries may follow, threatening the strategy of achieving security for the Soviet Union by surrounding it with pro-communist governments, part of the Warsaw Pact which formed the ‘Eastern Bloc’
• Khrushchev therefore ordered a Soviet invasion of Hungary and Nagy was later executed

-> De-stalinisation lured Hungary into a false sense of security and the USA strongly opposed the USSR’s actions damaging relations between the two superpowers