When they use the historical term "Hungarian People's Republic", they mean the period of existence of this state: from 1949 to 1989. The time of domination in the country of the only political force - the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party. But there was also the first Hungarian Republic, however, it did not last long. Western historiography dubbed it this way: the Hungarian Democratic Republic of 1918-1919. The article provides a brief description of the history of Hungarian statehood in the 20th century.
Hungarian People's Republic 1918-1919
Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was defeated in the First World War. This could not but affect the mood in society. The bulk of people saw the causes of their troubles in the monarchy. Therefore, the bourgeois-democratic revolution was the logical conclusion of the accumulated socio-economic contradictions.
1918-16-11 a new state appeared on the world political map - the Hungarian People's Republic. This became possible after the king of Hungary, Charles 1, relinquished power. The President of the newly formed state was Count Mihai Karolyi (insome Karaya sources).
The Communist Party of Hungary was not satisfied with the results of the coming to power of the bourgeoisie. Having a good chance of winning (it was supported overwhelmingly by soldiers, the proletariat, part of the peasantry), she took real steps to prepare for a socialist revolution. At the first stage, workers' control over production was established. The Social Democrats under such conditions were thinking about a possible alliance with the Communists.
The Entente interfered in the situation, complicating the position of the socialists. The victorious countries in an ultimatum demanded the rejection of part of the Hungarian territory under the plausible pretext of protecting the interests of national minorities.
Socialist Revolution
The state no longer had its own army. Political and economic collapse reigned around. In order to withstand the threat of occupation in such conditions, consolidation was necessary. The Social Democrats, by their decision to unite with the Communists, received full power. The Karolyi government had no choice but to resign. The government has changed, as well as the name of the country. In fact, this was the end of the Hungarian People's Republic (1918-1919). The Revolutionary Government Council became the main body of power in the Hungarian Soviet Republic.
Second Hungarian Republic
USSR inflicted a crushing defeat on Nazi Germany and its allies, among which was Hungary. Now the territory was controlled by Soviet troops. Independent electionscoalition government passed with the intervention of the Soviet side. The result was that the key posts were taken by the communists.
1947 was marked by regular elections. The Hungarian communists, with the support of the Soviet army, simply arrested all dissidents. Date - 1949-18-08, marked by the appearance of a new Constitution in Hungary. According to it, the post of president was abolished, and the name of the country changed. The Hungarian People's Republic has reappeared.
1956 uprising
Hungary began to intensively build a socialist way of life in the country. Repressions, terror, collectivization, the expulsion of the bourgeoisie from the cities, post-war devastation, the need to pay indemnities to the victorious countries - all this made life difficult for ordinary citizens.
The political leadership of the country had no choice but to drift within the framework of the course that was approved by Moscow. This caused anti-Soviet sentiments, which later escalated into an uprising (1956), led by Hungarian Prime Minister Imre Nagy.
However, it was severely suppressed. The photo of the Hungarian People's Republic of that period captures the terrible facts of atrocities on both sides: public executions and torture of communists. The events in Hungary made the Kremlin think. This was the first sign that the European communist system was collapsing. Unity was maintained only thanks to Soviet bayonets.
The collapse of socialism in Hungary
WoIn all spheres of the Hungarian People's Republic (1949-1989), key changes took place after the Hungarian Labor Party came to power (subsequently, after the 1956 uprising, the name changed to the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party). The judiciary, administrative system, self-government bodies were reformed.
Censorship was liberal, and the citizens of this country could travel abroad without obstacles. By socialist standards, the Hungarian People's Republic was quite successful. There was practically no shortage of goods here - the USSR provided comprehensive support to its ally.
By the end of the 80s, the European socialist bloc began to crumble. Socialism was peacefully surrendering its positions in all countries of the Warsaw Pact. One-party systems were abolished. These were the first attempts to gain sovereignty and recognize democratic values.
