The Rise of Nikita Khrushchev 1953-1964: De-Stalinization and Tension with the West

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Khrushcheve Takes Control

Khrushchev

Initially Khrushchev claimed that capitalism will be destroyed in nuclear war

- Probably to secure support initially Later showed willingness to work with the West

- Wanted to avoid nuclear war

- Wanted time to develop economy Still frequent tension

- ex. U2 spy plane incident

- Khrushchev wanted West Berlin

Berlin Wall (1961)

Supposedly to keep out fascists

More likely to:

1. Keep people from fleeing

2. Keep people from encountering capitalist luxury

Attempts at Diplomacy

Recognized Neutrality for Austria Met with Eisenhower in Geneva in 1955 Reciprocal Soviet and American exhibitions Established hotline between Washington

and Moscow in 1963 Tried to entice governments of developing

nations

- As opposed to undermining them by supporting subversive parties

Weakening Control

China started to drift away from the Soviet Union

- Upset about Soviet diplomacy with West

- Albania and some other communist nations/parties sided with China

Revolts in Soviet Satellite States

- Riots in Poland

- Brutal violence in Hungary

Reforms Tried to reoganize the communist party Tried to restructure industry

- Tried to localize authority Tried to improve farm production Most of his efforts failed to improve

production in industry or agriculture

- Tended to cause confusion among the people

Replaced in 1964 by Brezhnev

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Khrushchev Resigns