Timeline (Spirit of '56)

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1956

 * 25 October: Prime Minister Nagy, after returning to power the previous day by popular demand, tells a secret meeting of the Hungarian government's top pro-reform leaders of his intentions to leave the Warsaw Pact. He is met with wild applause. He also presents his plan to ensure that the Soviets do not interfere. The plan is approved.
 * Night, 25 October: The Hungarian government secretly sends an emergency accession request to NATO. The request states that "Hungary wishes to leave the Soviet Bloc and join NATO. We request a meeting with NATO leaders as soon as possible." NATO narrowly agrees to meet with Hungarian diplomats.
 * 27 October: Under the cover of darkness, a group of top Hungarian diplomats disguised as ÁVH  officers allegedly en route to the Hungarian embassy in Vienna cross the border. Upon reaching the airport at Vienna, they immediately fly to Paris and meet with NATO leaders. They explain what Imre Nagy plans to do, and NATO approves their request. At 12:39 Local Time, Hungary becomes a full member of NATO. Two hours later, Imre Nagy states on national television that Hungary has joined NATO and is leaving the Warsaw Pact, effective immediately. Mass celebrations erupt in the streets in reaction to the news. Khrushchev is incensed, but is powerless to do anything, since any action against Hungary will trigger a full NATO military response.
 * 28 October: Pro-Soviet elements within the government, led by János Kádár, attempt to execute a coup against  Nagy. However, their small forces are quickly overwhelmed by the Hungarian Army. Kádár is arrested and charged with treason. The Warsaw Pact initiates a trade embargo against Hungary, and Romania, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union close their borders with Hungary.
 * 29 October: Nagy announced to a wildly cheering crowd that the People's Republic of Hungary will cease to exist in seven days, after which a new constitution will be written. He promises that it will include democratic reforms, free elections, and a much freer economy. Nagy also announces that he will be stepping down in thirty days, following the consolidation of the new government. The West applauds Nagy.
 * 5 November: At midnight, the People's Republic of Hungary is dissolved. Despite the late hour, almost 90% of the country flocks into the streets to celebrate. The Provisional State of Hungary is formed.
 * 6 November: U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower wins reelection over Adlai Stevenson by a landslide.
 * 12 November: With the passing of the new constitution, the Provisional State of Hungary becomes the Republic of Hungary.
 * 29 November: In Hungary's first post-Soviet election, Imre Nagy wins reelection by a landslide. He immediately announces his intent to further integrate Hungary into NATO.
 * 1 December: Time magazine declares Imre Nagy "Man of the Year."
 * 5 December: President Eisenhower flies to Budapest for the first American state visit to an ex-Eastern-Bloc country. He is greeted by wildly cheering crowds and affirms his committment to safeguard Hungarian security.