De-Stalanisation

Limitations

Thaw wasn’t coherent policy, liberal reforms quickly modified.
Only literature that served purpose to regime allowed e.g. DoctorZhivago banned, yet those criticising Stalin accepted.
Stalinist zeal in persecution of Jews continued, church discouraged
Dissident writers imprisoned and harassed despite no declarationof political prisoners
Party determined acceptable expression, standard arbitrary e.g.Khrushchev close abstract art exhibition.
KGB active and popular surveillance persisted (Stalinist)

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Term coined in 70’s to describe Khrushchev attempt to eradicate Stalin, refers to either:
Secret Speech, condemn S’s excesses- Moderate reforms embarked upon and concessions e.g. cultural freedoms
NOTE: no intention to destroy system, he believed in fundamental aspects of Stalinism, just wanted to stop repression that characterised Stalin’s regime, resulted to be contribution factor to his downfall.

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De-stalinisation conveyed opportunity for satellite sates to reform own polical systems, wasn't K's intentio, led to brutal treatment in Hungary Uprising to reinforce order= ineffective buffers.
Caused deterioration of relation with China as they saw K as weak
Weakened own position, growing criticism from dissidents; prevailed until fall, & call for social reconstruction (unintended).
Led to conservative opposition, angered they hindered reform.
Discouraged successors to reform, led to overcautious conservatism.

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Reform Communism, cultural reforms & the Thaw, eg= reduced censorship on literature- one day in the life of Ivan Denisovish & radio more accessible.
New civil liberties; couldn't be covicted on own confessions (anti Stalinist method of torture) death penalty restricted & comrade courts intriduced.
Greater investment in light industry & agriculture - Virgin Land Schemes.
Stalin's stamp removed Stalingrad renamed Volgograd & statues pulled down, reburied.
Released political prisoners & rehabilitated Great Terror victims,showedliberal tendency & Leninist nature, not unchallenged totalitarian control of Stalin.

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