1956 was the year of Khruschev's secret speech, the year of the Russian invasion of Hungary and the Anglo-French invasion of Suez.

Fifty years on, the London Socialist Historians Group is organising a one day event to assess the historical significance of the events of 1956, particularly in terms of its impact on the left.

We intend to have panels on 1956 in the Middle East and in Hungary to start and finish the conference.

In between we are inviting proposals for papers covering 1956 in Britain. Both histories of the events of the year itself - such as the protests about Suez and Hungary, and consequences of it, whether politically or culturally or both, particularly for the left, are welcome.

Some of the questions which interest us include: what role did the events of 1956 play in the formation of CND? How did different activists attempt to engage with the new movements? What part were played by different socialist, anarchist or New Left traditions? How did the left in Britain engage with its international counterparts? What were the roles of women and black activists in 1956?

The conference will take place at the Institute of Historical Research on Saturday 4th February 2006.

Proposals for papers should be in the form of a précis of no more than 500 words. They should be sent to the London Socialist Historians Group, 38 Mitchley Road, London N17 9HG or emailed to conference2006@londonsocialisthistorians.org by October 15, 2005.