Khrushchev's Secret Speech

Khrushchev initially raised hopes of a better political and economic future for the USSR through his secret speech. His shocking condemnation of Stalin’s reign of terror and seemingly more liberal intentions of peaceful co-existence gave the impression of a new, markedly successful era for the USSR. However, these expectations were quickly dashed through a series of counterproductive and unsuccessful policies, most notably his grand but ill-fated agricultural schemes. Khrushchev displayd a refreshing and new approach to politics that came as a jolting shock to those who had spent the twelve years under the rule of the excessively brutal and controlling Stalin. This was particularly evident in his initial secret speech, in which many believed his speaking out against Stalin to be a form of trap for his potential critics. However, when what seemed a true change in mindset was widely recognised, it signified for a number of Russians a promising change in society.
Khrushchev made two major changes to the …show more content…
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