Histories of cities, towns, villages
are an essential part of understanding the history of a country, a historical
era. Knowledge of the local history is important for understanding the
historical past of the local population, for developing and preserving its
sense of identity.
The exact date of the foundation
of Beregszász is a subject of debate among local historians, yet the town, what lies on the banks
of the Verke Canal for over 900 years, has experienced many upheavals, glorious and
tragic moments in its past. The history of the town is very rich in various important
historical events.
During the Soviet period
(1945–1991) as well as being part of independent Ukraine, Berehove played an
extremely important role in the political and cultural history of the local
population.
After the death of Generalissimo
Stalin on March 5, 1953, it became clear that the socialist camp, which had
previously been considered inseparable, was far from unified. Nikita Khrushchev
became the winner in the struggle for power of the three triumvirates, after
which the signs of political weakening became more and more noticeable. The
consequences of his policy were felt in Berehove as well.
The period from 1953 to 1964, the
historical era of the ‘Khrushchev Thaw’, can be considered a positive decade in
the history of the Soviet Union, as well as of the town, in terms of improving
living standards and weakening the dictatorship. This period was characterized
by a reduction in political repression and censorship besides partial
liberalization of political life. Khrushchev allowed some freedom in culture
and media, opened up cross-border trade and economic reforms, educational
development also was obvious.
Berehove is located 72 kilometers from Uzhhorod, the centre
of the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, and only 6 kilometers from the border with
Hungary, i.e., the European Union. Many have been interested in the town, its
past has been researched by several historians, however, a comprehensive town
monograph covering the entire history of the town, its political, economic and
cultural life, has not been completed to date. The present study does not
undertake this either, it only represents the town’s life and history during
the Khrushchev era, mainly based on the articles published in the contemporary
Berehove district paper, i.e., the «Red Flag» (Hungarian title: «Vörös Zászló»).