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Canadian Journal of History reviews CWIHP Book <i>Failed Illusions</i> by Charles Gati

Writing in the Canadian Journal of History, Karl E. Loewenstein of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, reviewed Failed Illusions: Moscow, Washington, Budapest, and the 1956 Hungarian Revolt, written by Charles Gati and published as part of the Cold War International History Project Book Series.

In describing the book, Loewenstein says that "Gati proposes a more realistic and critical analysis of the uprising than has been presented before. He analyzes mistakes and suggests alternative courses of action that might have kept the Soviets from invading as they did in November 1956. In particular, he outlines four considerations that lead him to his conclusions: relatively few Hungarians fought against the Soviets; the revolution lacked effective leadership; Soviet leadership was not trigger-happy; and the US was both uninformed and a provocateur."

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Cold War International History Project

The Cold War International History Project supports the full and prompt release of historical materials by governments on all sides of the Cold War. Through an award winning Digital Archive, the Project allows scholars, journalists, students, and the interested public to reassess the Cold War and its many contemporary legacies. It is part of the Wilson Center's History and Public Policy Program.  Read more

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