Evaluate the impact of repression and protest between 1945 and 1968 in one of the following countries: East Germany; Poland; Hungary; Czechoslovakia.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of repression and protest between 1945 and 1968 in one of the named countries. Candidates may refer to the Show Trials of 1948 that were held in each of these countries and to consider the impact of such randomized repression on possible protest movements against the Soviet-backed authorities. In East Germany, the steady migration of skilled workers to West Germany during the 1950s may be evaluated and seen as a safety valve after the repression of the 1953 protests. In Poland and Hungary, the impact of the 1956 “Secret Speech” at the 20th Party Congress may be evaluated and its impetus for protest and reform balanced against subsequent repression. For Czechoslovakia, the Prague Spring may be evaluated with its aspiration for reform being met with repression. Common to all the named countries was the widespread use of secret police and the swift repression of all forms of protest, although candidates may discuss protest in the form of the covert distribution of illicit literature and radios being tuned into foreign broadcasts, for example the Voice of America. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of repression and protest between 1945 and 1968 in one of the following countries: East Germany; Poland; Hungary; Czechoslovakia. Some very good quality responses were seen to this question especially for Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Candidates were able to use detailed, accurate knowledge to support relevant arguments.