Thaw historical period. Khrushchev's Thaw and its results
After the death of I. Stalin, a new period began in Soviet history, which, with the light hand of the writer, received the name “Khrushchev’s Thaw.” What changed at this time, and what were the consequences of Khrushchev's reforms?
Breaking stereotypes
The beginning of a new period was marked by the refusal of the Soviet leadership from Stalin's policy of repression. Of course, this did not mean that the new leaders would behave like gentlemen in the struggle for power. Already in 1953, a struggle for power began among the emerging collective leadership (Khrushchev, Beria, Malenkov). The result was the removal and arrest of Lavrentiy Beria, who was shot on charges of espionage and conspiracy.
In relation to ordinary citizens, the policy of Khrushchev and his associates was characterized by a reduction in repression. First, the “Doctors' Case” was stopped, and later the rehabilitation of the remaining political prisoners began. It became clear that it was impossible to remain silent about the repressions. The consequence of this was the famous report “On Stalin’s personality cult and its consequences,” delivered by Khrushchev at the 20th Congress of the CPSU. Despite the fact that the report was secret, its contents quickly became known throughout the country. However, in the public sphere it actually ended. Khrushchev and his comrades understood perfectly well that if they expand this topic further, society might think about changing the entire Soviet leadership: after all, both the speaker and his colleagues took an active part in mass repressions, signing execution lists and sentences of troikas. But even such half-hearted criticism had the effect of a bomb exploding at that time.
The Khrushchev Thaw brought a certain freedom of action to literary and artistic workers. State control over the creative process weakened, which contributed to the emergence of works on topics that were previously considered taboo, such as life in Stalin’s camps. True, by the beginning of the 60s, Khrushchev began to gradually tighten the screws and actively impose his opinion during meetings with the intelligentsia. But it was too late: the thaw had already arrived in the USSR, and protest sentiments began to grow in the ranks of the intelligentsia, which led to the emergence of dissidents.
Sphere of management
The reforms could not but affect the authorities and the party itself. Republican authorities and party organizations received broader powers, including in the field of economic planning. Attempts were made to renew the leadership cadres of party organizations, but they ended in failure due to the resistance of the nomenklatura.
But the most important innovation was the liquidation of ministries and the organization of these bodies that were created on the territory of 1-2 regions to manage industry and construction. It was assumed that economic councils would better manage local affairs, knowing the needs of their region. But in practice, this reform created a lot of problems. First, economic councils managed objects in the same command style as ministries. Secondly, the interests of the state or neighboring regions were often ignored. Therefore, after Khrushchev’s removal, everything returned to normal.
Education, agriculture
The social sphere was most affected by the Khrushchev Thaw. Firstly, the legislation was improved, thanks to which old-age pensions appeared, which, however, did not affect collective farmers. The work schedule of enterprises has also changed: two days off have been introduced.
Secondly, in the social sphere one of the most pressing issues has begun to be resolved - housing. A decision was made on mass housing construction. It was carried out at a rapid pace not only due to budgetary injections, but also due to the cheapness of the material. Five-story concrete boxes were erected in a couple of weeks. Of course, such houses had a lot of shortcomings, but for people who lived in basements and workers' barracks, these were simply luxurious apartments. However, already at that time the state, not relying on its own strength, began to stimulate the creation of housing construction cooperatives, when citizens invested their money in housing construction.
Reforms were also carried out in the education system. According to the new law, compulsory 8-year education was introduced. After 8 years spent at a school desk, the student could choose whether to complete his studies for another three years, or go to a vocational school, technical school or vocational school. In reality, the reform did not bring the school closer to production, because educational institutions simply did not have the financial capacity to provide students with working professions. The adoption of laws in which the language of instruction at school was chosen by parents, and students could be exempted from studying the language of the union republic had disastrous consequences for the national republics. This increased Russification and reduced the number of national schools.
In addition to the social sphere, the Khrushchev Thaw also affected agriculture. Collective farmers received passports and freedom of movement. Purchase prices for crops were increased, which increased the profitability of collective farms. But even here there were some failed endeavors. These include the craze and consolidation of collective farms. The liquidation of machine and tractor stations also created problems. The farms received the necessary equipment, but at the same time got into huge debts, since they did not have the funds to purchase it.
Khrushchev's reforms changed a lot in Soviet society and many of them were progressive for that time. But their ill-conceived and chaotic nature, on the one hand, and the resistance of the party bureaucracy, on the other, led to their failure and the removal of Khrushchev from a leadership position.
The Khrushchev Thaw period is the conventional name for a period in history that lasted from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. A feature of the period was a partial retreat from the totalitarian policies of the Stalin era. The Khrushchev Thaw is the first attempt to understand the consequences of the Stalinist regime, which revealed the features of the socio-political policy of the Stalin era. The main event of this period is considered to be the 20th Congress of the CPSU, which criticized and condemned Stalin’s personality cult and criticized the implementation of repressive policies. February 1956 marked the beginning of a new era, which aimed to change social and political life, change the domestic and foreign policies of the state.
Events of the Khrushchev Thaw
The period of the Khrushchev Thaw is characterized by the following events:
- The process of rehabilitation of victims of repression began, the innocently convicted population was granted amnesty, and relatives of “enemies of the people” became innocent.
- The republics of the USSR received more political and legal rights.
- The year 1957 was marked by the return of Chechens and Balkars to their lands, from which they were evicted during Stalin's time due to accusations of treason. But such a decision did not apply to the Volga Germans and Crimean Tatars.
- Also, 1957 is famous for the International Festival of Youth and Students, which in turn speaks of the “opening of the Iron Curtain” and the easing of censorship.
- The result of these processes is the emergence of new public organizations. Trade union bodies are undergoing reorganization: the staff of the top level of the trade union system has been reduced, and the rights of primary organizations have been expanded.
- Passports were issued to people living in villages and collective farms.
- Rapid development of light industry and agriculture.
- Active construction of cities.
- Improving the standard of living of the population.
One of the main achievements of the policy of 1953 - 1964. there was the implementation of social reforms, which included solving the issue of pensions, increasing incomes of the population, solving the housing problem, and introducing a five-day week. The period of the Khrushchev Thaw was a difficult time in the history of the Soviet state. In such a short time (10 years), many transformations and innovations have been carried out. The most important achievement was the exposure of the crimes of the Stalinist system, the population discovered the consequences of totalitarianism.
Results
So, the policy of the Khrushchev Thaw was superficial and did not affect the foundations of the totalitarian system. The dominant one-party system was preserved using the ideas of Marxism-Leninism. Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev did not intend to carry out complete de-Stalinization, because it meant admitting his own crimes. And since it was not possible to completely renounce Stalin’s time, Khrushchev’s transformations did not take root for long. In 1964, a conspiracy against Khrushchev matured, and from this period a new era in the history of the Soviet Union began.
55. Khrushchev’s “thaw”.
The Khrushchev Thaw period is the conventional name for a period in history that lasted from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. A feature of the period was a partial retreat from the totalitarian policies of the Stalin era. The Khrushchev Thaw is the first attempt to understand the consequences of the Stalinist regime, which revealed the features of the socio-political policy of the Stalin era. The main event of this period is considered to be the 20th Congress of the CPSU, which criticized and condemned Stalin’s personality cult and criticized the implementation of repressive policies. February 1956 marked the beginning of a new era, which aimed to change social and political life, change the domestic and foreign policies of the state.
Events of the Khrushchev Thaw
The period of the Khrushchev Thaw is characterized by the following events:
The process of rehabilitation of victims of repression began, the innocently convicted population was granted amnesty, and relatives of “enemies of the people” became innocent.
The republics of the USSR received more political and legal rights.
The year 1957 was marked by the return of Chechens and Balkars to their lands, from which they were evicted during Stalin's time due to accusations of treason. But such a decision did not apply to the Volga Germans and Crimean Tatars.
Also, 1957 is famous for the International Festival of Youth and Students, which in turn speaks of the “opening of the Iron Curtain” and the easing of censorship.
The result of these processes is the emergence of new public organizations. Trade union bodies are undergoing reorganization: the staff of the top level of the trade union system has been reduced, and the rights of primary organizations have been expanded.
Passports were issued to people living in villages and collective farms.
Rapid development of light industry and agriculture.
Active construction of cities.
Improving the standard of living of the population.
One of the main achievements of the policy of 1953–1964. there was the implementation of social reforms, which included solving the issue of pensions, increasing incomes of the population, solving the housing problem, and introducing a five-day week. The period of the Khrushchev Thaw was a difficult time in the history of the Soviet state. In such a short time (10 years), many transformations and innovations have been carried out. The most important achievement was the exposure of the crimes of the Stalinist system, the population discovered the consequences of totalitarianism.
So, the policy of the Khrushchev Thaw was superficial and did not affect the foundations of the totalitarian system. The dominant one-party system was preserved using the ideas of Marxism-Leninism. Mikhail Sergeevich Khrushchev did not intend to carry out complete de-Stalinization, because it meant admitting his own crimes. And since it was not possible to completely renounce Stalin’s time, Khrushchev’s transformations did not take root for long. In 1964, a conspiracy against Khrushchev matured, and from this period a new era in the history of the Soviet Union began.
56. Confrontation of two world systems in the 60-80s of the XX century. Collapse of the colonial system, arms race.
The arms race was voluntarily suspended by the mid-60s.
A number of treaties were concluded limiting the accumulation of weapons. Such
such as the Atmospheric Test Ban Treaty, in
outer space and submarines (08/05/1963), Treaty on
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, creation of nuclear-free zones (1968),
agreement on SALT 1 (limitation and reduction of strategic weapons)
(1972), Convention on the Prohibition of Development, Production and Stockpiling
stockpiles of bacteriological and toxin weapons and their destruction
(1972) and many others. Another “front” of the Cold War was...
Since achieving strategic parity (early sixties
years) the military component of the arms race is gradually being pushed back to
background, while on stage the struggle for influence in the countries of the third is played out
peace. The term itself was introduced into use due to the increasing influence
non-aligned countries that have not openly joined one of the
warring parties. If at first, the very fact of confrontation
two powerful systems on the world map led to landslide decolonization
(the period of liberation of Africa), then in a later period a circle was formed
states openly and very effectively using their political choice
orientation towards one or another superpower. To a certain extent it is possible here
include the countries of so-called Arab socialism, which decided at the expense of the USSR
their specific narrow national tasks. (1, p.298)
The Cold War was fought not only in politics, but also in
culture, sports. For example, the USA and many Western European countries
boycotted the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. In response, athletes from countries
Eastern Europeans boycotted the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984
year. The Cold War was widely reflected in cinema, and
Propaganda films were made by both sides. In the USA it is: “Red Dawn”,
"America", "Rimbaud, First Blood, Part II", "Iron Eagle", "Invasion of
USA". In the USSR they filmed: “Night Without Mercy”, “Neutral Waters”, “Incident in
square 36 – 80”, “Solo sailing” and many others. Despite,
that the films are completely different, with different degrees of talent in them,
it showed how bad “they” are and what good guys serve in our army.
A unique and very accurate manifestation of the Cold War in art
reflected in a line from a popular song “and even in the field of ballet, we
ahead of the rest..."
It is quite obvious that the enormous costs incurred
superpowers could not continue indefinitely, and as a result the confrontation
the two systems were decided in the economic sphere. It is this component
turned out to be decisive in the end. More efficient Western economies
made it possible not only to maintain military and political parity, but also
satisfy the growing needs of modern man, which, due to
She knew how to competently manipulate purely market economic mechanisms. IN
at the same time, heavy, focused only on the production of weapons
and means of production, the economy of the USSR, could not, and did not intend to
compete in this area with the West. Ultimately, this affected
political level, the USSR began to lose the fight not only for influence in
third world countries, but also for influence within the socialist
Commonwealth.
2.2. The international position of the USSR from the mid-60s to the early 80s.
By the mid-60s. compared with the first post-war years, the world
found himself in a significantly changed situation.
The then-identified
the contradictions between the allies in the anti-Hitler coalition have now spilled over
Eastern Europe was under complete control of the USSR, while Western Europe was
in a strong military-political and economic alliance with the United States. "Cold War"
was in full swing. The main object of the struggle between “socialism” and “capitalism”
were the countries of the “third world”, formed on the ruins of the world
colonial system. The USSR and the USA, the main military forces behind them
political blocs NATO and the Warsaw Pact Organization avoided direct
military confrontation. However, competition for influence in developing
countries remained very acute, and often led to local wars
conflicts.
The competition between the two systems also developed in the economic sphere,
Moreover, in the 60s - 80s it became more and more strict. The West had
it has a clear advantage: the starting positions were more profitable, and in the USA in
During the Second World War, economic potential increased significantly. More
The system of cooperation of developed countries was also perfect, while in
The “socialist bloc” included, in addition to the USSR, countries that played
insignificant role in the world economy, many of which suffered huge
damage during the war. The protracted formation of the mechanism of international
the division of labor within the framework of the CMEA interfered with the coordination of national economic
plans and implementation of joint projects. As a result, already in the mid-80s
s in Western Europe, the level of international division of labor turned out to be
an order of magnitude higher than in Eastern. A major step forward in the integration of countries
CMEA was a comprehensive program adopted in 1971 for further deepening
and improving cooperation, designed for 15-20 years. Most
large-scale joint economic projects were construction
the Druzhba oil pipeline and the Soyuz gas pipeline, the participation of allied countries in
development of raw materials resources of Siberia and Central Asia, construction
industrial enterprises in different countries. The Soviet Union put in
Eastern European countries in 1965 8.3 million tons of oil, in 1975 - about
50 million, and by the beginning of the 80s - 508 million tons. Soviet oil prices were
significantly lower than world prices, since the USSR assumed an obligation
supplies of raw materials at lower prices.
Cooperation was actively developing within the framework of the Warsaw
Agreement (OVD). Almost every year in the 1980s general maneuvers were carried out, in
mainly on the territory of the USSR, Poland and the GDR.
Partial reforms of the “Soviet model of socialism” in none of the countries
Eastern European bloc did not lead to a qualitative increase in efficiency
production. (4, p.334)
The reaction to the crisis of the “Soviet model of socialism” in the countries of Eastern
Europe and the events of the “Czechoslovak Spring” of 1968, the so-called
"Brezhnev Doctrine". Its main content was the “theory of limited
sovereignty" of socialist countries. She was proclaimed by the General
Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee at the V Congress of the Polish United Workers' Party in
November 1968. Her nomination testified to the great attention
which was paid to foreign policy in the late 60s - early 70s.
The Brezhnev Doctrine recognized the presence of weak links in
socialist front, the possibility of restoring capitalism due to
objective difficulties and errors of a subjective nature, the likelihood of war
with the imperialist encirclement, the extreme nature of such an action as a military one
assistance to a friendly country in the defense of socialist sovereignty. L.
Brezhnev emphasized that the sovereignty of a socialist state is
the common heritage of all Marxist-Leninists: “When a threat arises to the cause
socialism in one country, a threat to the security of socialist
community as a whole - this is no longer just a problem for the people of a given
country, but also a common problem, a concern of all socialist countries.”
The policy of "non-interference", in his opinion, was directly contrary to the interests of
defense of brotherly states. In order not to give in, not to give up
bourgeoisie not a grain of what has been won, not to allow a retreat from Marxism-
Leninism requires firmly adhering to the “general laws
socialist construction."
The term “doctrine” as a system of attitudes did not take root in Soviet
foreign policy lexicon, it is not in any official party or
state document. But the existence of the “Brezhnev Doctrine” will never
was refuted by the political leaders of the USSR, since it expanded
proletarian internationalism." At the same time, the “Brezhnev Doctrine”
expressed a policy aimed at consolidating the territorial
government structure in Europe in the post-war period.
Attempts at people's democratic reforms were suppressed both from outside
(the introduction of troops of the Warsaw Pact countries into Czechoslovakia in 1968), and
from within (the Solidarity movement in 1980-1981 and its ban with the introduction
military rule in Poland).
The Chinese version of the reforms of the 50-60s led to tough
confrontation between the USSR and China. In 1969, on the Soviet-Chinese border there were
armed clashes (in the area of Damansky Island, etc.). Only after death
Mao Zedong in 1976 and the death of Brezhnev in 1982, the relationship between the two
countries have returned to normal. To the Maoist trend in the period after the Prague
communist parties, priority of national values, denial of “dictatorship
proletariat" and the establishment of democratic mechanisms for coming to power and
mainly in those third world countries that received military
financial and technical assistance from the USSR. For the Soviet Union it was still
one item of huge expenses to the detriment of one’s own economic and
social programs.57. DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD ECONOMY for 1945-1991. The dominant role of the USA. Scientific and technological progress and its influence on the course of world social development
The Thaw in the USSR is a conditional unofficial name for the period that lasted from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. It is characterized by significant changes, in particular, the debunking of Stalin’s personality cult, the liberalization of freedom of speech, and the reduction of censorship. Western literature became more accessible. In relation to the political and social life of that era, certain relaxations were also observed, which Soviet reality had not seen since the 20s.
And some moments in the history of the USSR generally occurred for the first time: condemnation of one’s own mistakes, the past, repressions. Unfortunately, this did not become a deep process, did not change the essence of the events taking place: universal control, centralization of power and much more remained in the USSR, at least until perestroika, and some things disappeared only with the collapse of the Soviet Union. But the influence of Khrushchev’s thaw remained for a long time. The authorities demonstrated that dictatorship is not necessary.
Spiritual life has also changed quite interestingly. In the USSR they began to show more attention to everything Western and demonstrate greater openness. Creativity was subject to less censorship. Attempts to achieve certain changes in the management of the national economy also date back to this period. They are characterized by some naivety, since for successful implementation they required more serious and in-depth study. However, these changes still had positive results.
The Thaw period struck the majority in the USSR with criticism of Stalin's personality cult. However, it also showed that many did not agree with the policies being implemented. A striking example was the rapprochement with Yugoslavia, with which the dictator broke off relations. In addition, we should not forget about what event happened in the USSR during the Thaw: the liquidation of the Gulag. This was also directly related to the condemnation of repression and the outbreak of riots. Some historians note that over time, this system became increasingly unprofitable to maintain, so perhaps there was a commercial motive in the destruction of the structure from the inside.
Nevertheless, the proclamation of a course towards peaceful coexistence with Western countries also dates back to the Thaw period. The emphasis was placed on the fact that it is very important to be able to get along in one big world. It should be noted that the nomenklatura rejoiced at these changes and quite willingly supported them, because under Stalin almost everyone was in danger. Now I didn’t have to constantly fear for my life. So for many, the thaw period had only positive aspects.
Khrushchev’s policy turned out to be quite loyal for prisoners of war: many Japanese and Germans were simply sent home to their countries. It is worth noting that we are talking about tens of thousands of people. Most of the deported peoples were allowed to return to their places of former residence. Labor legislation has noticeably softened: criminal liability for absenteeism has been abolished, and there is also talk of decriminalizing other articles. The concept of “enemy of the people” was also removed from the Criminal Code.
There were also certain advances in the international arena. They agreed with the USSR on the withdrawal of occupation forces from Austria and that the state would maintain political neutrality. In this regard, the Thaw period gave the West more than they initially expected. He showed that it is difficult with the Soviet Union, but it is possible to negotiate. And this was what they wanted most after World War II.
Controversies
At the same time, during the Thaw period in the USSR, Joseph Brodsky was arrested, Pasternak was persecuted for publishing his work in Italy, and the uprising in Grozny and Novocherkassk was suppressed (the latter with the use of weapons). In addition to the above, currency traders were shot in violation of the fundamental principles of law (Rokotov’s case), for whom the case was reviewed three times. The death sentence was imposed after the law giving the corresponding right came into force. As is known, criminal law does not and cannot have retroactive effect, with the exception of certain situations of amnesty. However, here this principle was simply ignored. This decision caused protests even from the investigators who led the case. But it was not possible to influence the situation: the sentence was carried out.
The episode with Brodsky turned out to be quite scandalous and unpleasant for the USSR, characterized by attempts to attract the attention of the Soviet intelligentsia and the world community. As a result, it was possible to ensure that the poet’s sentence was reduced. And active liberation activities became the foundation for the emergence of a human rights movement in the USSR, which is still developing today. Attention was drawn to the issue of human rights in the Soviet Union, people began to talk about it, which was simply impossible to imagine during Steel’s life. This already showed certain progress in the public consciousness, but did not make society completely healthy.
Changes in art
The topic of de-Stalinization, the need and importance of change was raised in the film “Clear Sky”. Pasternak was able to publish Doctor Zhivago in Milan, although he subsequently encountered problems associated with it. They published Solzhenitsyn, which, again, was impossible to imagine before. Leonid Gaidai and Eldar Ryazanov began to realize themselves as directors. The film “Carnival Night” turned into a real cultural event; there were other interesting works.
Negative changes
It cannot be said that all changes, without exception, were unequivocally positive. Changes in architecture turned out to be quite negative for the USSR. In an effort to quickly provide everyone with housing, it was decided to abandon “unnecessary decoration”, as long as it does not interfere with the functionality of the houses. As a result, the buildings turned out to be standard, monotonous, they began to look like template boxes and lost their individuality. The area per person was significantly reduced. The issue of audibility worsened: houses appeared in which what was being said on one floor could be heard without problems across several floors. Unfortunately, such standards in construction remained until the collapse of the USSR, changing for the most part only for the worse.
Positive Feedback
The appearance of the thaw gave rise to another phenomenon - the sixties, that is, young people who went through the war (or their relatives) became disillusioned with Stalin. However, they decided that the communist government had nothing to do with it, having heard about the debunking of the cult of personality. They actively opposed the image of the dictator - Lenin, romanticized the revolution and existing ideals.
As a result, as many researchers note, the emergence of such mitigation looks somewhat ambiguous. Of course, liberalization of the regime and greater creative freedom are positive. However, the people had the feeling that the Soviet government really knew how to admit its mistakes, to draw conclusions that there would be no return to the old ways, that something was moving towards improvement and correction.
Meanwhile, the execution, contrary to the legislation in force at that time, of currency traders very eloquently showed that all the changes relate to the form rather than the essence of what is happening. The Gulag was disbanded, but at the same time, those who were directly related to the crimes that took place there were not convicted. They did not publicly declare the inadmissibility of such methods in relation to people. The Soviet government did not admit responsibility for what it actually allowed.
Such exposure would have been too dangerous for the nomenklatura itself, which in one way or another was part of the Stalinist repressive machine. Some carried out criminal decrees, and some even took the initiative. In the end, Stalin's condemnation was cautious. He was still recognized as an outstanding figure of his era. The genocide he carried out was called “mistakes” that took place, according to Soviet leaders, “closer to the end.”
To summarize, it can be noted that there have certainly been certain positive changes. But there were much fewer of them, and many were temporary. And some achievements on the path to liberalization were reversed due to the arrival of Brezhnev. Therefore, speaking about the positive aspects, we must not forget about the negative ones.
With the death of I.V. Stalin in March 1953 ended an entire era in the USSR, which lasted 30 years and was remembered for terror, famine, and repression.
The tyrant was replaced for a short time by the head of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Under the leader, the party apparatus was controlled by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, that is, the same Stalin. But Malenkov had to cede leadership of the party apparatus to Khrushchev on March 14. From that day on, Khrushchev pursued a policy of seizing power in the country. Khrushchev was not a stupid politician at all. At first he rallied against less powerful politicians. Having secured the support of Colonel General P.F. Batitsky, achieved the arrest of Beria.
The appointment of Malenkov to the post of head of state was a kind of sacrifice of Malenkov to Beria. So, just in case, if Beria fails to weaken and overthrow. Managed. Malenkov, like many politicians, was himself afraid of Beria and therefore supported Khrushchev in his accusations against Stalin’s Cerberus. Malenkov also supported Khrushchev in his policy of de-Stalinization of society. I didn’t take into account that Khrushchev decided to rise above Stalin, trampling the Father of Nations into the mud. This was also part of Khrushchev's strategy. Having gotten rid of a strong and influential opponent, Khrushchev removed Malenkov. The so-called Khrushchev Thaw begins with the report at the 20th Congress of the CPSU “On the cult of personality and its consequences.”
Some concessions
Feeling his strength and popular support, he gets rid of Malenkov and rises to the pinnacle of power. Then, in 1957, he removed Marshal Zhukov from his post as Minister of Defense and the people's favorite, Hero of the Great Patriotic War. Yes, Khrushchev was not stupid at all. He understood that he could not survive without the support of the people. He gave the people a taste of “freedom.” The Khrushchev Thaw was marked by the following events and processes:
- Rehabilitation of victims of political repression;
- Residents of collective and state farms received passports and the opportunity to move around the country.
- Even those convicted of light criminal charges were amnestied.
- Republics received more political and legal rights.
- In 1957, Chechens and Balkars returned to their native lands,
- The holding of the International Youth Festival showed the whole world the openness of the country of the Soviets.
- During the same period, the pace of construction of residential buildings in cities increased, industry and energy began to develop.
- Visit of the head of state to the USA.
Cultural life of the country
The Khrushchev Thaw lasted 10 years. Exactly as long as Nikita Sergeevich ruled the country. During this period, the avant-garde Taganka Theater of Yuri Lyubimov was born and flourished, which was called “the theater of freedom in an unfree country.”
The literary creativity of Viktor Astafiev, Bella Akhmadulina, Vladimir Tendryakov, Evgeny Yevtushenko, Andrei Voznesensky, and Robert Rozhdestvensky flourished.
Film production has increased manifold. The leading film directors of the Thaw were Marlen Khutsiev, Georgy Danelia, Mikhail Romm, Leonid Gaidai, Eldar Ryazanov. The following films became a cultural event of their time:
- detective "Murder on Dante Street"
- laureate of the 1958 Cannes Film Festival - the film “The Cranes Are Flying”,
- The first Soviet-Indian production - the film “Walking across Three Seas”
- "Spring on Zarechnaya Street"
- "Ballad of a Soldier"
- "Amphibian Man",
This far from complete list is complemented by comedies:
- Comedies - “Carnival Night”,
- The film “Striped Flight”, which became the leader of the Soviet box office in 1961, was viewed by 45.8 million viewers.
- "Hussar Ballad"
- "I'm walking around Moscow"
The years 1955-1964 were marked by the development of television. Television repeaters were installed throughout the main part of the country. National television began to emerge in all the capitals of the union republics. Television studios appeared in most regional centers and autonomous districts of the RSFSR.
Kinks
All these are positive moments in the development of the country. But Nikita Sergeevich also had obvious excesses, which became the subject of condemnation of his policies and popular jokes. For example, his slogans on the highways “Let’s catch up and overtake America” next to the road sign “not sure, don’t overtake” brought smiles to the drivers of that time.
The requirement to sow corn instead of wheat in fields where there was none in the first place caused irritation. There were collective farm leaders who categorically ignored this requirement. Nikita Sergeevich himself was known among the people as a “corn grower”.
The Khrushchev thaw also became years of brutal persecution of the church. Also, the Secretary General did something that even Lenin and Stalin did not dare to do: he sold to Israel the lands that belonged to our country in the Holy Land. He did not even sell these lands, which had the highest spiritual value, but exchanged them for oranges. It is noteworthy that these oranges rotted during transportation.
Also, there was no particular “thaw” in international politics. Whether the Cuban missile crisis, which brought the world to the brink of the third world war and the first atomic war, was Khrushchev’s mistake, analysts and historians should already answer this question. Perhaps this conflict did not receive a resolution that satisfied everyone. Perhaps strategic mistakes were made, which later served as an accusation against Khrushchev of his inability to manage the state and the basis for his removal.
