A border crossing between Hungary and Austria 1956

In the clip we see a small border checkpoint. Gradually more and more refuges come across the border with minimal checks. Some come as they are, others are laden with bags or drive carts. The scene then shifts to a local official building being used as a shelter for the refugees. Conditions are extremely basic but the people seem in relatively good spirits. In 1956 the people of Hungary elected a new leader called Imre Nagy. He planned to take Hungary out of Soviet control and make Soviet troops leave the country. In response, Soviet leader Khrushchev sent tanks and troops in to crush the rebellion. Hungarians resisted at great cost. The casualty figures are not reliable, but estimates suggest that 3,000 Hungarians were killed, and around 7,000 Russians. Some 300,000 Hungarians fled into exile, mainly in Austria. This film is very powerful in showing us the human impact of the revolt in Hungary and the Soviet crushing of it. The numbers of refugees clearly indicate the seriousness of what has happened.

Channel: UK National Archives Video Length: 2m 48s Date Found: Sat, Apr 12 2008 10:19 AM Category: History Date Produced: View Count: 65