Explain two consequences of Khrushchev's Secret Speech.

Question 1

1st

Answer 1

• One consequence of Khrushchev’s secret speech was that relations improved as a result of his speech.
• This was because Khrushchev had criticized Stalin’s policies and so it gave the West hope that perhaps there would be a ‘thaw’ in the Cold War.
• Especially since Khrushchev had introduced measures to ‘de-Stalinise’ the USSR.

Question 2

2nd

Answer 2

• Another consequence of Khrushchev’s secret speech was that it led to the Hungarian people believing that it meant that the Soviet Union’s strict rule in Hungary would end.
• This was because many Hungarians were unhappy with the communist regimes imposed on them by Rakoski and wanted to become more democratic.
• This led to the Hungarian uprising.