Communist Takeovers in Eastern Europe

For the Early Cold War topic, Option B, CIE iGCSE exams 2025

East Germany

Allies gave USSR control of the eastern sector of Germany. It was under Red Army control until 1949 when the GDR was created.

Poland

After the war the Communists joined a coalition government, then became outright leaders in 1947 when they forced the non communist leader into exile and stole power.

Czechoslovakia

A left wing coaltion won elections in 1945. In 1946 the Communists became the single largest party, but still within a coalition. In 1948, when their position was threatened, the Communists banned other parties and made Czechoslovakia a one party, communist, state.

Hungary

Communists became the single largest party in the 1947 elections. They imprisoned politicians and attacked church leaders.

Romania

In 1945, a communist was elected Prime Minister within a left wing coalition. In 1947 the communists abolished the monarchy, taking full control.

Bulgaria

A left wing coalition won elections in 1945. The communist members of the coalition then executed the leaders of the other parties.

Yugoslavia

Marshal Tito had led war-time resistance to the Nazis. He was elected President in 1945. However, he was determined to apply communism in his own way and was expelled from Cominform in 1948.

Albania

Communists gained power immediately after the war. There was little opposition as during the war communist and nationalist resistance movements had opposed the Italian and later German occupation forced. As the war ended, the strong communist movement had the support and backing of both Yugoslavia and the USSR