Mátyás Rákosi was a Hungarian politician who served as the General Secretary of the Hungarian Communist Party from 1945 to 1956. He played a significant role in establishing a communist regime in Hungary after World War II, aligning the country with the Soviet Union. Rákosi's leadership was marked by political repression and the implementation of Stalinist policies. Under Rákosi's rule, Hungary experienced economic challenges and widespread purges of political opponents. His government was characterized by a lack of political freedom and heavy censorship. In 1956, amid growing discontent, he was ousted during the Hungarian Revolution, leading to a period of reform and greater autonomy for Hungary.