Major Historic Events You May Not Know About

I found this blog post with a compilation of Hungarian films (csak Magyarul) from 1956-1990. As everyone knows, in 1956, Hungary had a major uprising against the Soviet Union, ousting the communist government and establishing it’s own freely elected government. This was an amazing accomplishment and could have been a real turning point in the cold war. However, with absolutely no help from the West or the United States (help was actually promised by the West in radio broadcasts to the Hungarian people), the Hungarians were left all by themselves.

The Soviet Union retaliated with 150,000 troops and 6,000 tanks. Needless to say, the rebellion was crushed and Hungary would not see freedom or prosperity for another 50 years. During those 50 years, Western Europe enjoyed the prosperity of the Marshal Plan while Eastern Europe was devastated by one corrupt communist regime after another.

The European Union was established in 1993 with all the major Western European countries claiming membership. The eastern countries couldn’t gain membership because they and their economies were too poor. Western Europe had the benefit of the Marshal Plan, but where is the reconstruction effort for the East? Countries like Romania were denied entry repeatedly because of their status (they were finally accepted only recently). Western Europeans complain that any help given to the East would increase taxes. Unfortunately the concept of “pay it forward” is lost on the wealthy west who enjoy all the tourism and benefits of a healthy economy.

 

I’ve never been to France (technically I have, but airports don’t count) but out of all the countries I’ve been to, Eastern Europe has, by far, the most culturally diverse countries in Europe. Budapest was by far the most historic and beautiful city due to its location on the Danube River, the Buda hills directly adjacent to the river, and all the old historical buildings which are bigger, better and more concentrated than any other European city. I might be biased, but few will disagree with me if they’ve been there.

Eastern European cities are vastly untouched by western influence and as thus, present a wholly different experience. Do yourself a favor and pass up Paris, London (which is not really a foreign country if you’re American; more like visiting Canada but vastly less awkward), Rome, and other popular tourist cities and instead head to Berlin, Prague, Budapest, and Transylvania (which is actually Hungarian but don’t get me started). I personally recommend them all.

Also, if you’re over 18 and still don’t have your passport (or left your own country), you’re shutting yourself out from understanding and you will Never understand what’s really going on in the world. Now, go get your passport!