The most important events of the Revolution of 1956

By majkoo
  • Demonstrations in Budapest

    Demonstrations in Budapest
    Peaceful student demonstration in Budapest to express solidarity with the anti-Soviet movement in Poland which then transforms into a mass protest demanding political reforms - (more than 200 000 people, demolishing the Stalin statue, cut out socialist coat of arms of the Hungarian flag)
  • Escalation

    Escalation
    As protests escalate, Soviet troops occupy Budapest, and resistance centres are being created such as Széna square or Mester street
  • Nagy Imre appointed Prime Minister of Hungary

    Nagy Imre appointed Prime Minister of Hungary
    Protests intensified and of the Soviet government responded with some concessions including the appointment of a new, more moderate Prime Minister; Nagy Imre.
  • Chain fire in front of the Parliament

    Chain fire in front of the Parliament
    Demonstrators had gathered in front of the parliament and got into an encounter with ÁVH. As a soviet tank fired at the crowd there was a massive explosion which resulted in numerous casualties and became a symbol of the brutality of the Soviet terror.
  • UN assistance

    UN assistance
    Nagy Imre calls for the assistance of the UN which starts to debate on the Hungarian case.
  • Some important happenings of the 28th of October

    Some important happenings of the 28th of October
    The National Guard is established, Nagy Imre delivers a famous radio speech and Soviet troops start to withdraw from Budapest.
  • Gaining independence

    Gaining independence
    As one party system was abolished a new government was formed by Nagy Imre and he denounced the Warsaw Pact (Hungary became neutral.)
  • Soviet attack

    Soviet attack
    A Soviet attack on Budapest crushes the revolution, thousands are killed or wounded.
  • Fights continue

    Fights continue
    Between the period of the 4th and 11th of November, fights continue in Budapest but Soviet forces maintain control. Nagy Imre is arrested on the 22nd of November.
  • Retaliation & consequences

    Retaliation & consequences
    The revolution is suppressed, 20 000 are imprisoned, 200 000 emigrate and hundreds are executed - including Nagy Imre in 1958.