Compare and contrast the reforms of Stalin to Khrushchev, to Gorbachev.

Nikita Khrushchev emerged as the new Soviet leader. In 1956, he shocked top Communist party members when he publicly denounced Stalins use of power. He did not change Soviet goals but did free many political prisoners and eased censorship. In 1956, Khrushchev sent tanks in to smash the Hungarians when they revolted against communist rule.