Before the Uprising: Hungary under Communism, 1949–1956

The years of 1949-1956 in Hungarian history were characterized by totalitarian leadership, leading to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Peter Kenez's book, Before the Uprising, examines the necessary components of totalitarianism and what we can learn from the past for the present and future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 289 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The years of 1949 to 1956 marked a period of profound darkness in modern Hungarian history, as the country's population endured the oppressive rule of a vicious totalitarian regime. However, this era would eventually come to an end, paving the way for the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, a pivotal moment in the history of the Cold War. The question that arises is why did this revolution take place in Hungary, rather than any other country within the Soviet bloc? Before the Uprising delves into the intricate social, economic, political, and intellectual characteristics of a totalitarian state. Throughout the volume, Peter Kenez poses thought-provoking questions about the essential elements of totalitarianism, such as whether it encompasses complete state control of the economy, the establishment of a personality cult around the leader, or a specific type of propaganda organization. By examining the totalitarianism of the past, this book offers valuable insights into our present circumstances and provides a glimpse into the potential future of emerging autocracies.

ISBN-13: 9781009180436