jan 25, 1956 - Khruschev's Secret Speech (Start of De-Stalination)

Description:

New Course took dramatic turn as Khrushchev gave the Secret Speech to 20th Party Congress
4hr demolition of Stalin’s reputation
Quote: “he often chose the path of repression and physical annihilation, not only against actual enemies, but also against individuals who had not committed any crimes…”
Led to de-Stalinization within USSR, a relaxation in totalitarian control
Many in the West viewed this as a chance for peace or “detente” with the USSR (reduction in tensions)
*detente: “the easing of hostility or strained relations”

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