The Soviet rule in Central Europe was everything but popular among the locals concerned. This has been demonstrated in most countries during the forty years of Communism in one way or another. Hungary's turn was in 1956, when for about two weeks the country attracted the attention of the whole world. Unfortunately (but not really unexpectedly) the revolution was easily beaten by the Soviet Army and Hungary had to wait 33 more years to get rid of dictatorship.

The 1956 Revolution

23th October: the Revolution
Mass demonstration everywhere in the country against the Stalinist dictatorship. Some of the Communist controlled police force opens fire, but others both from the police and the army support the demonstrations: the uprising starts.
24th-29th October: the Uprising
Fightings between the rebels and the Communists. Although the Soviet army gets involved already in this phase, its role is limited and there are also various attempts to find a peaceful compromise. However, the Communists gradually lose their control over the government and the country.
30th October – 4th November: the Hope
Hungary has a government that fully supports the popular demand and that is supported by the people. Although fighting continues, the Communists lose ground everywhere and even signs of consolidation are visible. For a few days many Hungarians hope that the Soviets may "let Hungary go"…
30th October
Democratic multy-party system is legalized.
1st November
Hungary exits the Soviet controlled military alliance and declares neutrality.
4th November: The Intervention
The Soviet intervention means the end of all hopes: although fighting continues for some time, Communists gain the control of the country again. In the following months and years hundreds are executed, thousands are prisoned and about 200,000 Hungarians escape to the West.