Abstract:
This thesis provides a history of the refugee exodus that followed the unsuccessful
Hungarian Revolution in 1956 with a special focus on the resettlement of the escapees
in Australia and New Zealand. The dual purpose of the study combines this chapter of
Hungarian emigration history with the immigration histories of Australia and New
Zealand. In the context of the refugee flight, the primary focus is placed upon the
refugees' motives for leaving their homeland and their social composition. In terms of
the role of Australia and New Zealand in the Hungarian emergency, the thesis examines the responses of the governments and public in both countries. Within this context, the study argues that anti-Communist Cold War propaganda was influential in evoking a general enthusiasm and sympathy towards the refugees. However, following the initially emotional response, a more pragmatic approach followed. Consequently, internal political and economic interests of the host countries received a greater priority in the selection and resettlement of the refugees. Luckily for the refugees they mainly comprised of people who were considered as desirable for settlement in both countries.
