Nikita Khrushchev
By Darius Hayes
Quick Facts
- He served as the Soviet Premier from 1958 to 1964.
- He initiated a process called "de-Stalinzation" Tat made Soviet society less oppressive.
- Khrushchev is the one who approved the construction of the Berlin Wall.
- Put the Missiles in Cuba, 90 miles off the Coast of Florida.
- Was the first Soviet Premier to visit the United States.
Background
Nikita Khrushchev was born on April 8, 1894. In 1929, he moved to Moscow where he slowly, but steadily rose up the ranks of the communists party. After that, in no time, he would become a member of Stalin's inner circle. 6 months After Stalin died, Khrushchev took power and became the most powerful man in the USSR. When Khrushchev took power, he began the process of de-Stalinzation. He criticized Stalin for deporting his political opponents. He had the name of Stalingrad changed and Stalin's remains removed from the Red Square.
Khrushchev had a complicated relationship with the west; but still preferred peace and coexistent with capitalist governments. In 1960, when the Soviets shot down an Amercian U-2 spy plane, he approved the construction of the Berlin Wall. Years later, Khrushchev was removed from power and went into retirement. He died in September 1971 of a heart attack.
Connections
- Khrushchev asked the president if they were spying on the Soviets. The President denied this of course. When Khrushchev brought up evidence that they had shot down an American U-2 spy plane, the president of the United States had nothing to say.
- After the U-2 incident, Khrushchev approved the construction of the Berlin Wall. This was to keep East Germany out of West Germany.