Secret Speech

The "Secret Speech" refers to a 1956 speech by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, in which he publicly criticized the excesses and abuses of Joseph Stalin’s rule, including mass repressions and purges. Delivered secretly at a closed party meeting, it marked a significant shift by acknowledging past mistakes and aiming to reform the Soviet Union’s governance. This speech inspired some relaxation of political repression and a degree of openness (de-Stalinization), but remained classified for years. It is seen as a pivotal moment in Soviet history, signaling a move away from Stalin’s brutal methods.