Hungarian statesman and premier János Kádár (1912-1989) played a key role in his country's transition to a pro-Communist regime following the uprising of 1956. He was impressive in steering a middle course between total obedience to, and total independence from, the Soviet Union until the Hungarian economy faltered and he was removed from party power shortly before his death in 1989.

János Kádár (original name János Csermanik) was born on May 25, 1912, in a small Hungarian village south of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in central Europe. After attending the village school, he was apprenticed to a toolmaker and was trained as a skilled mechanic.

Under Communist Influence

Kádár began his political career at the age of 19 when he became a member of Hungary's then illegal Communist party in 1931. Said the New York...