Page "Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic" Paragraph 18

Following a power struggle after Stalin's death in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev emerged as the country's new leader.

In a secret speech he gave in 1956, Khrushchev denounced Stalin and his domestic policies largely loosened the government's grip over the country.

Khrushchev put more resources into the production of consumer goods and housing.

Almost immediately, Armenia began a rapid cultural and economic rebirth.

To a limited degree, some religious freedom was granted to Armenia when Catholicos Vazgen I assumed the duties of his office in 1955.

One of Khrushchev's advisers and close friends, Armenian Politburo member Anastas Mikoyan, urged Armenians to reaffirm their national identity.

In 1954, he gave a speech in Yerevan where he encouraged them to " republish the works of writers such as Raffi and Charents ( the latter had been executed by the purges ).