Szeles Erika Kornélia
@celebratingamazingwomen
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a revolt against Soviet Power. It started as a student protest and quickly became a full-on battle against Soviet Troops. Hungarian’s took a stand against Soviet oppression; culminating in the collapse of the government (momentarily). After a group of students were fired upon by the AVH (“State Protection Authority”); causing a student’s death, disorder and violence was unleashed.
In the end, over 2,500 Hungarians and 700 Soviet Troops were killed in the conflict. The Revolution was pushed down by Soviet Forces. This moment was suppressed in the media and historical texts. After the thaw, and fall of the Soviet Union, The Third Hungarian Republic declared October 23, 1989 a national holiday.
The picture of Erika Szele; of her holding a sub-machine gun, came to symbolize the revolution. She was 15 when the photo was taken. She served as a Red Cross nurse and learned to use the machine gun; she was involved in countless battles.
On November 8th, she was killed after the resistance group she was apart of was bombarded by Soviet fire, while unarmed, and wearing a red cross uniform.
She is a Hungarian icon, someone, who at such a young age devoted herself to helping others and tried to change her world, to overthrow oppression.