1. Invasion of Hungary:
a) Background:
* The Invasion of Hungary occurred in 1956, about a year after the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. During this period, there were growing movements towards reform in satellite countries of the Soviet Union, including Hungary.
* Hungary had seen a wave of political reforms and relaxation of restrictions by the new Hungarian government led by Imre Nagy, who wanted to break away from Soviet control. This process became known as the "Hungarian Revolution."
* The Soviet Union, under Nikita Khrushchev, was concerned about losing control over Hungary and decided to intervene to maintain its sphere of influence and the Communist regime in Hungary.
b) Cause:
* The primary cause of the Invasion of Hungary was the Soviet Union's desire to suppress the Hungarian Revolution. The Soviets were worried about the spread of anti-communist sentiments and the possibility of other satellite countries following Hungary's lead in seeking independence.
2. Suez Canal Crisis:
a) Background:
* The Suez Canal is a crucial waterway connecting Europe to Asia. It was operated by a joint Egyptian-British-French company called the Suez Canal Company.
* In 1956, the Egyptian president, Gamal Abdel Nasser, nationalized the Suez Canal, taking it out of foreign control. This action by Egypt violated existing agreements and angered Britain and France, who had considerable economic and strategic interests in the region.
b) Cause:
* The nationalization of the Suez Canal by Egypt directly led to the Suez Canal Crisis. Britain, France, and Israel formed an alliance to regain control of the Canal and ensure their interests in the area.
* While the Invasion of Hungary and the Suez Canal Crisis were connected due to the timing, their respective causes were distinct.
* The Invasion of Hungary was caused by Soviet apprehensions about losing influence in Eastern Europe and the desire to maintain their communist control.
* On the other hand, the Suez Canal Crisis arose from Egypt's decision to nationalize the Suez Canal, leading to a clash of interests with European powers and eventually evolving into a conflict.