A Roundtable Commemorating the Hungarian and Polish Revolutions of 1956

The revolutions that broke out in Poznań, Poland on 28 June, 1956 and in Budapest, Hungary on 23 October marked the first steps towards the collapse of communist rule in Central Europe in 1989. The savage repression that brought both revolutions to an end, after one day in Poland and twelve days in Hungary, exposed the lie that the Soviet Union’s occupation of both countries at the end of the Second World War had popular support and moral legitimacy.

To commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of both revolutions, a round table will be held at SSEES, which will bring together scholars and researchers at the school whose work focuses on the history and politics of both countries. Serving as participants will be Professor Martyn Rady, Dr Daniel Abondolo, Dr Eszter Tarsoly, Dr Katarzyna Zechenter, Dr Thomas Lorman and Phillip Barker, who will provide short presentations on the ideas that sparked both revolutions and their enduring legacy. Professor Jan Kubik, the director of SSEES, will begin proceedings by offering his own thoughts on the importance of commemorating both revolutions. Following these presentations, the floor will be opened to questions, and a reception will be held immediately afterwards.

For more information, please contact Dr Thomas Lorman (UCL SSEES), t.lorman@ucl.ac.uk

Registration is free but essential, please register via Eventbrite

A seminar hosted by the UCL SSEES Study of Central-Europe Seminar series.