This day in history:
Amid protests across Soviet-dominated Hungary, violence erupts, sparking the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
Soon after the revolution began the Soviet Union planned to give in to demands and withdraw forces from the country. However they quickly changed plans and sent in a large military force to quash the rebellion and regain control.
Revolutionaries made quick and large gains up to the end of October, but stood no chance against the superior Soviet military. The rebellion eventually ended on November 10, two and a half weeks after it began.
Despite calls for help to western countries (especially the USA), the revolutionaries received no support during the conflict, and Hungary was dominated by Soviet oppression until 1989.
October 23, 1956 - 56 years ago today
(via noonemeansme)