Imre Nagy

Imre Nagy , 1896-1958, Hungarian Communist leader. Nagy was a symbol of the 1956 Hungarian revolt against the Soviet Union. As an agricultural expert he held several government posts in postwar Hungary before serving (1953-55) as premier. His "new course" de-emphasized heavy industry, stopped forcible collectivization, and loosened police controls; he was increasingly critical of Soviet influence in Hungary. Denounced for Titoism, he was removed from office. His expulsion from the Hungarian Communist party in early 1956 was rescinded at the request of rioting students shortly before the Hungarian revolution began (see Hungary ). Nagy was recalled as premier of the new government on Oct. 24, 1956. He took refuge in the Yugoslav embassy when the Soviets counterattacked (Nov. 4) and crushed the revolt. Leaving the embassy under a safe-conduct pledge, he was seized by Soviet police and was later returned to the custody of the new Hungarian regime headed by János Kádár . His trial and execution were announced in 1958. In 1989, he was officially rehabilitated and reburied with full honors.

Nagy, Imre (1896–1958) Hungarian statesman, premier (1953–55, 1956). He enacted liberal reforms of the Hungarian economy and society. Under pressure from the Soviet Union, Nagy was dismissed from the Hungarian Communist Party. The Hungarian Revolution (1956) led to Nagy's reinstatement as premier. Soviet tanks crushed the uprising and handed power to János Kádár. Nagy was executed for treason.

Nagy, Imre (1896–1958) Hungarian Communist statesman, Prime Minister (1953–55; 1956). During his first term in office he introduced liberal policies, pushing for greater availability of consumer goods and less collectivization, but was forced to resign. Back in power in 1956, he announced Hungary's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact and sought a neutral status for his country. When the Red Army moved in later that year to crush the uprising Nagy was removed from office and executed by the new regime under János Kádár.