Imre Nagy: the story on HearLore

Underground Networks And Soviet Informant Work

Nagy escaped captivity in early September 1918 and held odd jobs in White-controlled territory until February 1920. He became a candidate member of the Russian Communist Party on the 12th of February 1920 and a full member by May. The Hungarian Communist Party sent him back to Hungary in April 1921 with 277 other communists to build underground networks. He joined the Social Democratic Party of Hungary and served as secretary of its local branch in Kaposvár in 1924. Police surveillance followed his expulsion from that party for advocating revolution. In December 1929, he traveled to the Soviet Union and arrived in Moscow in February 1930. Nagy worked at the International Agrarian Institute for six years while also serving in the Hungarian section of the Comintern. Under the codename Volodia, he acted as an informant for the NKVD secret police from 1933 to 1941. The NKVD described him as a qualified agent who showed great initiative and ability to approach people. This service later provided crucial support for his return to power after World War II.

When was Imre Nagy born and where did he grow up?

Imre Nagy was born prematurely on the 7th of June 1896 in Kaposvár, a small town within the Kingdom of Hungary. His family moved to Pécs in 1904 but returned to Kaposvár shortly after.

How did Imre Nagy become involved with communist organizations during World War I?

Imre Nagy joined the Austro-Hungarian Army in December 1914 and was captured by Russian forces on the 29th of July 1916 during the Brusilov Offensive. He spent time in various camps including Darnitsa, Ryazan, and Siberia before joining Marxist discussion groups near Lake Baikal.

What role did Imre Nagy play in the Hungarian Communist Party between 1930 and 1945?

Imre Nagy worked at the International Agrarian Institute for six years while serving in the Hungarian section of the Comintern from February 1930 until 1941. Under the codename Volodia, he acted as an informant for the NKVD secret police from 1933 to 1941.

Why was Imre Nagy removed from office in April 1955?

Mátyás Rákosi forced Imre Nagy out of office through his continuing influence as General Secretary of the MDP on the 18th of April 1955. Nagy lost all Party functions including membership in the Central Committee and Politburo after promoting what he called the New Course.

When did Imre Nagy announce Hungary's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact?

Imre Nagy announced Hungary's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact on the 1st of November following negotiations with Soviet representatives. This decision came after Soviet troops began crossing back into Hungary contrary to their earlier declarations.

How and when was Imre Nagy executed by the Soviet Union?

Soviet forces arrested Imre Nagy on the 22nd of November as he left the Yugoslav Embassy despite written safe conduct from János Kádár. A secret trial found him guilty and sentenced him to death by hanging in June 1958, which occurred two years after the revolution began.

Imre Nagy.

Underground Networks And Soviet Informant Work

New Course And Political Ouster

Revolutionary Leadership And Warsaw Pact Withdrawal

Arrest And Secret Execution

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