Blake Henry, Sana Sheikholeslami, Christian Huhn, Emma KaufmanG-HWestern CivilizationMay 20, 2014HungaryMany Eastern European countries have struggled throughout history. They have been oppressed, controlled and silenced by the world's most dominant powers. Despite this, some countries have managed to gain independence and become important in the Western world. These countries gained authority in world affairs, became members of the European Union and shaped the Western world. Hungary has become an example of one of these countries. Despite its unstable past, Hungary is becoming increasingly influential. Throughout the 20th century, Hungary was under the rule of Eastern European powers or in the midst of an unstable government, so Hungary was not influential during World War II and the Cold War; However, Hungary has since seized the opportunity of independence and flourished with a booming economy and stable government, leading Hungary to become an influential nation in the Western world. Hungary had minimal influence on the outcome of World War II. Before the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, Austria-Hungary and Germany had formed an alliance. Germany and Hungary maintained the alliance after the separation of Austria-Hungary. Between 1938 and 1941 Germany began to conquer Europe. Germany gave parts of the conquered territory to the Hungarians (“Case Study: Hungary”). However, in June 1941, when the Germans were defeated by the Russians at Stalingrad, the Hungarians attempted to withdraw from the alliance (“Case Study: Hungary”). To stop the separation, Germany invaded Hungary and established its own government loyal to the Nazi Party (“Case Study: Hungary”). In mid-October 1944, Germany… mid-card… by nature, member nations are accomplished and ultimately have a say in the Western world. Although not as influential as established world powers, such as the United States, China, and Great Britain, Hungary has developed strong roots, which will enable future growth as a powerful nation. Hungary has faced many obstacles in the past; it has been overshadowed and controlled by the dominant country. The oppression of the Hungarian people during World War II and the Cold War increased the desire for democracy and an independent nation. This desire allowed Hungarians to unite and overcome their past and create a significant nation. Overall, modern Hungary has become an influential country due to its past and current situation. Hungary's strong economy, powerful government, and accepted position in world affairs have made it an influential power.