When the Soviets Returned to the Revolution

Briefly, from the start of the revolution on 23 October 1956 and the ceasefire with the Soviet Union on 28 October, it looked as though Hungary would be allowed self-determination.

On 4 November 1956 it became utterly clear that such a possibility was an absolute impossibility as Soviet tanks entered Budapest.

Although it took another week to really quell the fighting in Budapest and unrest in labor unions sporadically flared up through 1957, it was clear from the moment the Soviet divisions entered the city that the revolution was over.

Only one member of the Hungarian government remained at his post in Parliament – Istvan Bibo, who quickly wrote For Freedom and Truth, the last proclamation of the Hungarian National Government, at his desk.

” The Hungarian people have already sacrificed enough of their blood to show the world their devotion to freedom and truth. Now it is up to the world powers to demonstrate the principles embodied in the United Nations Charter and the strength of the world’s freedom-loving people. I appeal to the major powers and the United Nations to make a wise and courageous decision to protect the freedom of our subjugated nation.”

For more information on the Hungarian revolution, see our series here.