Hungary and Czechoslovakia - Similarities and Differences

What were the similarities and differences between the Hungarian Uprising and Prague Spring?

The Hungarian Uprising of 1956 and Prague Spring of 1968 had some key similarities, but also some important differences.

How were the Hungarian Uprising and the Prague Spring similar?

The Hungarian Uprising of 1956 and the Prague Spring of 1968 were similar in 7 key ways.

• ❖ They were both the result of long-standing resentment.
• ❖ Both countries wanted to reduce communist control and give their people more rights.
• ❖ Both involved protests.
• ❖ The USSR intervened because it was worried about the impact of changes on its control of the eastern European bloc.
• ❖ In both cases, the uprisings led to mass emigration.
• ❖ In both Hungary and Czechoslovakia, the leader was removed from power.
• ❖ In both cases, the wider world was critical of the Soviet response.

How were the Hungarian Uprising and the Prague Spring different?

The Hungarian Uprising of 1956 and the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia 1968 had 6 main differences:

• ❖ Whilst Hungary was influenced by foreign events, such as the uprising in Poland, Czechoslovakia was motivated by domestic issues, such as the economic depression.
• ❖ Hungary wanted to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact, but Czechoslovakia did not.
• ❖ In Hungary, the people acted first. However, in Czechoslovakia the people followed the lead of Dubček.
• ❖ The Hungarian Uprising was a rebellion against the Soviets, whereas the Prague Spring challenged the nature of communist rule itself.
• ❖ In Hungary, the people fought against the Soviets. However, the Czechs did not, although there were some suicides in protest.
• ❖ Some Warsaw Pact members were shocked by the Prague Spring, and complained about the Soviets' actions.