Nikita Khrushchev

15 April 1894 – 11 September 1971

Nikita Khrushchev was a Soviet politician who led the Soviet Union as First Secretary of the Communist Party from 1953 to 1964. He is known for de-Stalinization, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and reforms during a period of relative liberalization known as the Khrushchev Thaw.

Comparing
Compare

Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Nikita Khrushchev.

Life events

Born in Kalinovka, Russia
15 April 1894

Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev was born in the village of Kalinovka in the Russian Empire.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Joined the Bolshevik Party
1918

He joined the Bolsheviks and became active in Communist Party politics in Ukraine.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Became First Secretary of the Ukrainian Communist Party
1938

He rose to lead the Communist Party in Ukraine under Stalin.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Became First Secretary of the Communist Party
7 September 1953 – 14 October 1964

Following Stalin's death he emerged as leader of the Soviet Union.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Delivered the Secret Speech
25 February 1956

He denounced Stalin's crimes and cult of personality at the 20th Party Congress, launching de-Stalinization.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Cuban Missile Crisis
16 October 1962 – 28 October 1962

He confronted the United States over Soviet missiles in Cuba, bringing the world close to nuclear war.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Removed from power
14 October 1964

He was ousted by his colleagues in the party leadership and forced into retirement.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Died in Moscow
11 September 1971

Khrushchev died of a heart attack in Moscow while living in retirement.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓