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Hungary remains under Soviet control, and a period of political repression follows the failed revolution. Socialism, economic reforms, and limited political liberalization, coining the term "Goulash Communism", and a careful balancing act in foreign relations between the Soviet Union and the West.
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MEFESZ (Magyar Egyetemi és Főiskolai Szövetség) was established - drafted a list of demands
Peaceful demonstration by its students. -
A peaceful demonstration transformed into a 200,000-strong march in Budapest. Peaceful protests calling for free elections and a free press (among other things) started what would become a bloody freedom fight in which many would lose their lives, toppling the Stalin statue and cutting out the socialist coat of arms, leading to a siege of the Radio, and an armed uprising. -
Nagy Imre becomes Prime Minister, aiming to quell unrest -
Nagy Imre announces Hungary's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact, signaling a break from Soviet influence. -
After some time, Soviet forces invade Hungary to suppress the revolution and restore communist control. Fighting breaks out in Budapest. -
Imre Nagy appeals to the United Nations and the Western powers for assistance against the Soviet intervention. -
Initiating negotiations with the Soviets, Kádár and Maléter faced a critical situation, Maléter was arrested and Kádár had a choice -
Soviet forces complete the military suppression of the revolution, resulting in thousands of casualties and mass arrests. -
Imre Nagy is arrested (as his actions were perceived as a threat to the Communist government), tried, and executed by the Hungarian government. -
The fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe lead to the end of communist rule in Hungary.