A timeline of the political and economic developments in Hungary between the postwar Soviet occupation and the eve of the 1956 revolution.

1948 – 1953

The post war legacy
● Soviet occupation troops remain in Hungary with nominal agreement by the Hungarian government despite the 1957 Peace Treaty requiring their withdrawal
● A Stalinist style communist dictatorship led by Mátyás Rákosi, 1st secretary of the Hungarian Workers Party (HWP), replaces the fledgling 1946 multi-party government
● Any opposition including members of the HWP is rigorously oppressed
● Communists such as László Rajk are tried and executed
● Emphasis is placed on transforming Hungary into a heavy industrial state with dire consequences for the population
● There are deplorable living conditions, lack of food and goods, inadequate housing and low wages
● Agricultural production was stifled by collectivization
● Students were dissatisfied by academic conditions and entrance requirements

March 1953

The Stalin period comes to a close
● On Mar 4 1953 Joseph Stalin dies
● This Initiates a process of change in Soviet policy
● Khrushchev begins a process of “de-Stalinization”

July 1953

Nagy embarks on the “New Course”
● Change in economic priorities
● Less emphasis on heavy industry
● Reversal of forced agricultural collectivisation
● Partial amnesty for political prisoners
● Reduction of State Security Office (ÁVH) power
● End to internment and internal exile processes

December 1954

Nagy programme destined for failure
● There is no way to obtain quick results
● Rákosi continues his behind the scenes interference with Nagy policies
● The Nagy government is viewed with growing disfavour in Moscow
● By late 1954 his ouster has been initiated

May 1955

The Warsaw Pact is created
● Signed by Hegedüs
● Provides the rationale for Soviet troops stationed in Hungary that were to withdraw according to the 1947 Peace Treaty

Source: J. M. Rainer & Cs. Békés, chronology of the road to the 1956 revolution.