February 25th 1956 - at closed session of Twentieth Congress of the Soviet Communist Party, 1500 visitors and delegates went to a speech by Khrushchev. It was on 'The Personality Cult and its Consequences'.
He denounced Stalin, the cult of personality he had fostered and the crimes and executions perpetrated
Khrushchev blamed Stalin for foreign policy errors and failure of agriculture collectivisation
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Causes of the Polish Uprising 1956
Stalin died March 1953. Provoked optimism in POL that the USSR control would relax, and they could follow an independent path to socialism
Anti-communist resistance was bolstered by destalinisation. The Skewed Wheel Club was founded in Warsaw, which discussed independence, state efficiency and the treatment of the Polish Army
Khrushchev made another speech dashing these hopes. He spoke of the dangers of 'individualisation'. He wanted some leniacy was not lots
There was poor living conditions in POL, despite contrary propaganda
Since 1955, tensions had been increasing in Poznan, especially at Joseph Stalin's Metal Industry where workers complained of increasing tax
80% workers at this factory suddenly had increased work quotas. Petitions and letters were sent to places like Polish Ministry of Independence but they were ignored
On the 23rd June 1956, these workers went to Warsaw to protest because they wanted their demands met
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Events of the Polish Uprising 1956
6am: 28/06/56 - workers from the factory strike and march, demanding for compensation
Marched to the city. Students and other workers joined in. 100.000 were gathered on the streets between 9 and 11am. They gathered at police headquarters and authorities
They demanded decreased prices, wage increases and law reversals. Even some police joined the crowd
10am: Deteriorated. Provocateurs entered and said delegation (the 27 workers) had been arrested. This was a lie and was not true.
Protestors went to the prison they thought the delegation were at. Released 100s prisoners and weapons - protestors now armed. Ransacked communist party HQ. Shots were fired into the crowd
Until 6pm, they seixed gvt buildings, such as radiostations (no longer broadcast comm. messages) and prison camps
11am: 16 tanks and 30 cars from a garrison arrived. They fired no shots and were friendly.
However, Soviet General decided to take control and instil order Soviet style. Over 10,000 more troops. Detained demonstrators, and interrogated them at an airport
7.30 am: 29/06/56 - PM arrived and threatened to cut off peoples hands if they raised them against the gvt. Lasted until the 30th.
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Consequences of the Polish Uprising 1956
Economic: POL were no longer leaving COMECON
Social: There was no change for the people. They needed real change, such as withdrawl from the Warsaw Pact and COMECON
Political: The POL communist party turned against Gomulka due to bitterness caused. 19-20th October - Red Army units were sent to stop Gomulka's election as they were worried about POL independence - election went ahead. Gomulka assured USSR that POL would remain a Warsaw Pact member.
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