1956 1.8: The Star Pupil

1956 1.8: The Star Pupil

We continue our story from last time, as the Polish situation is connected to other fascinating questions.


Perhaps the most significant aspect of this chapter in Soviet-Polish relations was the notable involvement of China. The Chinese, it emerged, were very interested in seeing that other peoples travelled their own ‘road to socialism’ as they had done. A Polish road to socialism would validate the unique Chinese experience of struggle over the last few decades, and it would also confirm that Moscow didn’t have the authority to dictate how a communist satellite would feel.


Under the Chinese direction and approval, Poland’s limited revolution and Gomulka’s leadership would be safe, but only because, as we’ll see, Gomulka had zero intentions of truly changing any status quos. Unfortunately, Gomulka’s tenure in office was not destined to be a completely wholesome one. His behaviour over the 1960s would confirm that he was far more loyal and far less independently minded than his initial behaviour may have initially suggested, yet in 1956, Gomulka was the right man for the Polish leadership, and so long as the Polish people agreed, Poland was to be kept within the Soviet orbit, and Gomulka was to be the star pupil of the tumultuous year of 1956, especially in comparison to his Hungarian counterpart Imre Nagy, who we’ll meet in the next few episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(744)

Korean War #22: Crossing the Rubicon

Korean War #22: Crossing the Rubicon

You should know about our new sponsor - onlinegreatbooks.com! To access some fascinating books, nerd out with like minded enthusiasts, further your knowledge of some classical works, get 25% off your ...

6 Mai 201839min

Korean War #21: In Support Of My Thesis

Korean War #21: In Support Of My Thesis

Make sure you check out the Human Circus - Journeys in the Medieval World, if you're a fan of fascinating stories and a well told narratives. Devon is a history friend and a proud member of the Histor...

1 Mai 201847min

Korean War #20: Korean Background Part 3

Korean War #20: Korean Background Part 3

Make sure to give a warm welcome to our featured history podcast through the History Podcasting Platform: Noah Tetzner, and his History of Vikings Podcast. You can find Noah's excellent podcast here: ...

29 Apr 201839min

WDF: State of the Podcast Address 23April2018

WDF: State of the Podcast Address 23April2018

There's an awful lot to get into here, but we have to start somewhere! In this episode, I explain why my plans have effectively gone up in smoke, and what I plan to do to rectify these new development...

22 Apr 201839min

Korean War #19: Korean Background Part 2

Korean War #19: Korean Background Part 2

Episode 19: Korean Background Part 2 picks up where we left off last time with an examination of Syngman Rhee, by examining his counterpart up North. Who was Kim Il-sung, and where did he come from to...

15 Apr 201835min

Korean War #18: Korean Background Part 1

Korean War #18: Korean Background Part 1

NEW: Subscribe to WDF's newsletter for a weekly update on the latest in WDF, exclusive deals, stories, quizzes, perspectives and so much more that you won't get anywhere else. Cut through the cr@p and...

8 Apr 201837min

Korean War #17: The Balancing Act

Korean War #17: The Balancing Act

NEW: Subscribe to WDF's newsletter for a weekly update on the latest in WDF, exclusive deals, stories, quizzes, perspectives and so much more that you won't get anywhere else. Cut through the cr@p and...

1 Apr 201831min

Korean War 16: Selective Perspective

Korean War 16: Selective Perspective

Episode 16: Selective Perspective examines further the American policy towards South Korea in late spring 1950. We open the episode with the arrival of America's ambassador to South Korea John J Mucci...

25 Mar 201839min

Populært innen Historie

henrettelsespodden
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
rss-katastrofe
med-egne-oyne
historier-som-endret-norge
rss-benadet
aftenposten-historie
sektledere
rss-frontkjemperne
historier-som-endret-verden
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
rss-gamle-greier
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
rss-bisarr-historie
rss-historiske-romanser-svik-drap-og-kjarlighet
taakeprat
rss-historier-fra-gudbrandsdalen
historiepodden-ww2
historiepodden
vare-historier