The Soviet invasion of Hungary in November 1956 followed weeks of escalating tensions after the Hungarian uprising began on October 23. Initially, the revolt sought to establish greater autonomy and political freedoms by opposing the repressive policies of the communist government. As protestors amassed in Budapest, demands escalated for reforms including the withdrawal of Soviet troops and the establishment of a new government led by Imre Nagy, who had promised democratic reforms and neutrality. The situation dramatically shifted when, on November 4, the Soviet Union deployed thousands of troops into Hungary to quell the uprising forcefully. Hungarian resistance was fierce but ultimately insufficient against the overwhelming Soviet military might. In the ensuing chaos, significant casualties occurred; thousands were killed and many more were wounded. The brutal crackdown demonstrated the lengths to which the Soviet regime would go to maintain control over Eastern Europe. Many Hungarians, fearing detention or persecution, fled the country, with approximately 200,000 to 250,000 seeking asylum elsewhere within weeks.