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De-Stalinisation, 1953–1964

Crisis in the Soviet Union, 1953–2000: De-Stalinisation, 1953–1964

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88 min

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AqaA LevelHistory2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet

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De-Stalinisation, 1953–19644 objectives

The USSR in 1953: the Stalinist legacy; terror and paranoia; economic centralisation; the power vacuum and contenders: Malenkov, Beria, Molotov and Khrushchev; Khrushchev's success.
Khrushchev as leader: character; ideology and aims; style of leadership; political and legal reforms: the Secret Speech and de-Stalinisation within the USSR; changes to party organisation.
Economic and social developments: the reasons for and results of reform of industry and agriculture, including partial decentralisation and the virgin lands scheme; social conditions and living standards; the extent of the 'thaw' culturally.
Soviet foreign and international policies: split with China; peaceful coexistence with the West; the Cuban Missile Crisis; negotiations with the West over Berlin; the space programme.

Cult of PersonalityBeriaDe-StalinisationSecret SpeechKhrushchev's Thaw

Use specific examples: When discussing de-Stalinisation, always include specific events or policies to support your arguments.
Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing de-Stalinisation, include specific events or policies, such as the Secret Speech or the Hungarian Revolution.

Overgeneralizing the impact of de-Stalinisation: While de-Stalinisation introduced some reforms, it did not result in full political freedom, as the regime continued to suppress dissent and maintain control.
Confusing de-Stalinisation with complete liberalisation: While de-Stalinisation introduced reforms, the Soviet regime remained authoritarian and did not transition to democracy.

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