Secret Speech

Definition

The Secret Speech refers to the address delivered by Nikita Khrushchev in February 1956 at the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, where he denounced the policies and legacy of Joseph Stalin, particularly the cult of personality and the Great Purge. This speech was significant in reshaping the Soviet Union's political landscape, initiating a period of de-Stalinization and encouraging a temporary thaw in political repression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Khrushchev's Secret Speech was delivered behind closed doors and was not initially intended for public distribution, but copies were leaked, causing widespread shock within the Soviet bloc.
2. The speech criticized Stalin's methods, particularly his reliance on terror and violence, and called for a return to collective leadership within the Communist Party.
3. This speech marked the beginning of a cultural thaw in the Soviet Union, allowing for greater artistic expression and a slight relaxation of censorship.
4. Khrushchev's denunciation of Stalin led to significant political changes, including the rehabilitation of many victims of the purges and a reassessment of party policies.
5. The Secret Speech had far-reaching implications beyond the Soviet Union, inspiring anti-communist movements and uprisings in Eastern Europe, notably in Hungary in 1956.

Review Questions

• How did Khrushchev's Secret Speech impact the political atmosphere within the Soviet Union?
  • Khrushchev's Secret Speech significantly altered the political atmosphere within the Soviet Union by openly condemning Stalin's oppressive tactics and initiating a movement toward de-Stalinization. This shift encouraged more open discussions about governance and leadership among party members and provided some relief from the extreme repression experienced during Stalin's rule. It also led to a broader cultural thaw that allowed for artistic expression previously stifled by fear.
• In what ways did the Secret Speech influence international perceptions of the Soviet Union during the Cold War?
  • The Secret Speech had a profound impact on international perceptions of the Soviet Union during the Cold War by exposing the internal contradictions and repressive nature of Stalinism. As news of the speech spread beyond Soviet borders, it fueled skepticism about communism among Western powers while also emboldening dissidents in Eastern Europe. The speech highlighted a divide within communism itself, leading some countries to question their allegiance to Soviet-style governance.
• Evaluate how Khrushchev’s approach in the Secret Speech can be seen as both a risk and an opportunity for his leadership during this period.
  • Khrushchev’s approach in delivering the Secret Speech was both risky and opportunistic for his leadership. On one hand, denouncing Stalin opened him up to backlash from hardliners who remained loyal to Stalin’s methods, potentially threatening his position. On the other hand, it positioned Khrushchev as a reformer willing to confront past injustices, allowing him to rally support from those eager for change within the Communist Party and society. This duality reflects his complicated legacy during a time when reforms were desperately needed but fraught with challenges.

Related terms

De-Stalinization: The process initiated after Stalin's death aimed at dismantling the repressive regime he had established, which included a rejection of his policies and an attempt to reduce state control over society.

Cult of Personality: A phenomenon where a political leader uses mass media, propaganda, and other methods to create an idealized and heroic image of themselves, often resulting in unquestioned authority.

Great Purge: A campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938, during which thousands of perceived enemies of the state were executed or imprisoned, instilling fear throughout society.