The Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a spontaneous nationwide revolt against the Stalinist government of Hungary and its Soviet-imposed policies, lasting from 23 October until 10 November 1956, begins as a student demonstration which attracts thousands as it marches through central Budapest to the Parliament building.

A student delegation entering the radio building in an attempt to broadcast its demands is detained.

When the delegation's release is demanded by the demonstrators outside, they are fired upon by the State Security Police (ÁVH) from within the building.

The news spreads quickly and disorder and violence erupt throughout the capital.The revolt spreads quickly across Hungary, and the government falls.

Thousands organize into militias, battling the State Security Police (ÁVH) and Soviet troops.

Pro-Soviet communists and ÁVH members are often executed or imprisoned, as former prisoners are released and armed.

Impromptu councils wrest municipal control from the Communist Party, and demand political changes.

The new government formally disbands the ÁVH, declares its intention to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact and pledges to re-establish free elections.

By the end of October, fighting has almost stopped and a sense of normality begins to return.After announcing a willingness to negotiate a withdrawal of Soviet forces, the Politburo changes its mind and moves to crush the revolution.

On 4 November, a large Soviet force invades Budapest and other regions of the country.

Hungarian resistance continues until 10 November.

An estimated 2,500 Hungarians die, and 200,000 more flee as refugees.

Mass arrests and denunciations continue for months.

By January 1957, the new Soviet-installed government has suppressed all public opposition.

These Soviet actions alienate many Western Marxists, yet strengthen Soviet control over Central Europe, cultivating the perception that communism is both irreversible and monolithic.Public discussion about this revolution will be suppressed in Hungary for over 30 years, but after the thaw of the 1980s it is to become a subject of intense study and debate.

At the inauguration of the Third Hungarian Republic in 1989, 23 October is declared a national holiday.