Communist advances into Eastern and Central Europe after WW2

What are the two main views on Stalin motives towards Central and Eastern Europe?

• Stalin’s policy was and is often viewed as one of expansionism

• Another view is that by influencing the nature of government in neighbouring states Stalin would be protecting Russian interests, using the states as a buffer against Western interference

How did Stalin interfere with the governance of Central and Eastern European countries?

By supporting the installation of pro-communist regimes

Why was elements of democracy limited in these countries?

Because of the threat of force and imprisonment if voters and politicians did not toe the Soviet line

How was Yugoslavia influence by Russia?

• 1945 elections led to a Communist government led by Tito

• Tito wanted to continue consolidating Yugoslavian autonomy and therefore resisted attempts by Stalin to interfere

• Instead of accepting Stalinism, he introduced his own brand of communism

• Yugoslavia stayed free from direct Soviet control until Tito’s death in 1980

How was Czechoslovakia influenced by Russia?

• Free elections in 1946 led to the formation of a coalition government consisting of mainly left wing parties

• Just before new elections in 1948, the communists in Czechoslovakia seized power

• This resulted in the resignation of most non-communist members of the coalition

• Elections proceeded, but were rigged in communist favour

How was Hungary influenced by Russia?

• Free elections were held after WW2 and led to communist domination in the cabinet, despite gaining less than 1/5th of votes, showing Stalin’s influence

• Not all Hungarian communists were pro-Stalin and protested, leading to 250,000 being expelled by the end of 1949

• Until Stalin’s death, Hungary was governed repressively under Stalinism

• Khrushchev’s de-Stalinisation gave Hungarians hope for positive change, by the slow pace led to a major uprising which was dealt with ruthlessly by the Soviet Union

How was East Germany influenced by Russia?

• At Yalta, Russia was given temporary jurisdiction over East Germany

• This agreement was undermined by a number of developments, such as: the creation of Bizonia, the introduction of the Deutschmark and Ostmark and the Berlin Blockade

• ThHese events led to the USSR officially ‘creating’ East Germany in October 1949

How were other countries influenced by Russia following WW2?

In Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania, monarchies were abolished and communist governments established, all by the end of 1947. Of the balkan states, Greece was an exception - there, the communists were easily defeated