What Was the Impact of Nikita Khrushchev's Secret Speech?

Russia – Dissent and Protest, 1953-1991

In this course, Dr Philip Boobbyer (University of Kent) discusses dissent and protest in the Soviet Union from the death of Stalin in 1953 to the collapse of the USSR in 1991. In the first lecture we explore the impact of Nikita Khrushchev’s secret speech on public opinion and dissent after the intense repression of the early Soviet years. In the second lecture we examine where dissident ideas came from and identify the class of intelligentsia that led state protest. In the third lecture we inquire into the impact of the Soviet human rights movement. Fourth, we highlight the relationship between dissent and culture, exploring the novels, music and films that countered the Communist Party line. Finally in the fifth lecture, we conclude with a discussion of the extent to which dissent and protest movements in the Soviet Union after 1953 were successful in reaching their goals.

What Was the Impact of Nikita Khrushchev's Secret Speech?

In this lecture we think about the impact of Khrushchev’s Secret Speech in 1956, focussing on: (i) how Khrushchev's 1956 Secret Speech condemned Stalin's abuses but still maintained the legitimacy of the Soviet system and his own authority; (ii) Khrushchev attempted to stabilise the Communist Party by blaming Stalin and rival Lavrentiy Beria for past terror, while promoting Lenin's ideals; (iii) although the speech raised hopes for a more humane socialism, it ultimately avoided deeper reforms and focussed on maintaining Soviet rule.