Nikita Khrushvchev

“"About the capitalist states, it doesn't depend on you whether or not we exist. If you don't like us. don't accept our invitations, and don't invite us to come to see you. Whether you like it or not. history is on our side. We will bury you!"

– Nikita Khrushchev

Born: 1894

Died: 1971

Nikita Khrushchev led the communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 – 1964, and is most notable for his passionate certainty that communism was far superior to capitalism. As a leader, Khrushchev held the firm belief that it was only a matter of time before capitalism would crumble under communism, and is most renowned for his ill-tempered manner during United Nation meetings during the 1950’s and early 60’s. However, when compared to Stalin, Khrushchev actually declared the Cold War had to end! In saying this, he coined the term 'peaceful co-existence'. Unfortunately, despite wanting to destalinise the communist regime, Khrushchev still was an ardent communist and it became evident that 'peaceful co - existence' actually meant 'peaceful competition'. The Cold War under Khrushchev infact got worse under his rule.

For a biography of Nikita Khrushchev, click here

Involvement in the Cold war

Warsaw Pact 

In 1955, the Warsaw Pact, or “the treaty of mutual friendship, co-operation and mutual assistance” was signed by Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Albania, Romania, Germany, Czechoslovakia and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR)

The pact was primarily created to act as:

·  A Soviet counterbalance to the North Atlantic Treaty, which was formed between Western European countries and their North American allies.

·  A way to increase the power of the Communist party, and secure Soviet’s dominance over Eastern Europe.

·  A way to deter American Capitalism

·  A means to keep control over Soviet allies, and enforce decisions upon them

To read a copy of the Warsaw Pact, click here

The Berlin Wall

Further worsening tension during the Cold War, in August 1961, Khrushchev pushed the decision for the Berlin wall to be erected along the demarcation between the western sectors of Berlin (occupied by the United States, France and Great Britain) and the Eastern sector of Berlin, controlled by the Soviet Union.  The erection of the Berlin wall, further increased hostility between NATO and Warsaw countries during the Cold War.

For more information on the Berlin Wall, click here 

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