20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union

The 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, held in 1956, was a significant event where Soviet leadership revealed official criticisms of past Stalin policies and initiated a period of de-Stalinization. It aimed to reform political repression and promote more openness, leading to reduced censorship and greater discussion within the party. This congress marked a shift towards a slightly more liberal approach in Soviet governance, influencing both domestic policies and international relations, and signaled a move away from the strict authoritarian practices associated with Stalin’s era.