Communist Societies and Transformations in Postwar Western Europe

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the transformations in postwar Western Europe and the dynamics of communist societies.

Marshall Plan

The U.S. government's European Recovery Program that aided postwar Western Europe.

De-Stalinization

The policy initiated by Nikita Khrushchev to reduce the repressive aspects of Stalin's rule.

European welfare state

A term referring to a system that provides extensive social services to its citizens; emerged in post-WWII Europe.

Economic boom (1950-1970)

A period characterized by rapid economic recovery and growth in European industrial output.

European Economic Community (EEC)

An organization formed to create a common market among its member states, established in 1957 from the ECSC.

European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

An organization established in 1951 to eliminate tariffs for trade in coal and steel among its member countries.

Khrushchev's Secret Speech

A speech delivered in 1956 where Khrushchev denounced many of Stalin's practices.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949, which included West Germany by 1955.

Konrad Adenauer

West German Chancellor (1949-1963) credited with promoting healing relations within Europe post-WWII.

1956 Hungarian uprising

A revolt against Soviet-imposed policies in Hungary; ultimately suppressed by the Soviet army.