The People's Republic of Hungary was a socialist state that existed from 1949 to 1989. It was established after World War II, when Hungary became a satellite state of the Soviet Union. The government was characterized by a one-party system led by the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party, which controlled political life and the economy. During this period, Hungary experienced significant industrialization and social changes, but also faced political repression and economic challenges. The regime began to reform in the 1980s, leading to the eventual transition to a multi-party democracy and the establishment of the current Hungarian Republic in 1989.