Nikita Khrushchev
How did Khrushchev rise to power?
After the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953, there was a power struggle
within the Soviet leadership. Khrushchev gradually outmaneuvered his
rivals and became leader by 1955–1956.
He built support within the Communist Party and used his political skill
to gain control as First Secretary.
De-Stalinisation explained
De-Stalinisation was the process of reducing Stalin’s influence and
undoing some of his policies. In 1956, Khrushchev gave his famous
"Secret Speech" in which he criticized Stalin’s brutality, personality cult,
and use of terror.
Examples of De-Stalinisation
•Political prisoners were released from labor camps (the Gulag).
•Censorship was reduced, allowing more freedom of expression.
•Statues of Stalin were removed and cities named after him were renamed
(e.g.Stalingrad became Volgograd).
•There were attempts to improve living standards and housing for ordinary
Soviet citizens.
