WI: Hungarian Revolution Successful

What if the 1956 Hungarian Revolution is largely ignored by Moscow? Doesn't this give pretty much any anti-Communist Eastern bloc group license to revolt as well? What are possible butterflies throughout the Communist world or even the yet-to-be-Communist world (Cuba)? Extra points if the Hungarians repel a Soviet invasion intended to reestablish a Soviet-friendly government. EXTRA extra points if you get Eisenhower to intervene in ANY way without provoking World War III.
 
Greetings from Balmy Looneyburg!

It took me awhile to find this thread again after seeing it the other day. :eek:

May I say "Micsoda?"

I can't conceive of Moscow not slapping down the 56 revolt. And I can't believe war wouldn't break out if anybody in the west intervened.

Besides, the only way for a western force to get to Hungary is either airborne, through another Warsaw Pact nation, or neutral Austria.

But yes, if Hungary somehow managed to become neutral or western, it would have tremendous butterflies.

First, getting back to Russia not suppressing the revolt, unless this was an aberration, it would be a clear signal that the Soviets were not interested in establishing Communism at bayonet point; nor would they have been the natural successors to the old Tsarist empire.

Second, decades later when the Warsaw Pact collapsed, Hungary's open borders was one reason it happened. How this would change things...

Finally, there wouldn't be a huge wave of people who talked funny surging around the world post 56. "Why can't they give their Christian name, then their family name, like normal people?" :D
 
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