Communist Societies and Transformations in Postwar Western Europe

The logo at right was stamped on goods delivered to postwar Western Europe through the U.S. government’s European Recovery Program, known as the Marshall Plan.

Key Questions:
  - In what ways did Nikita Khrushchev’s rule within the Soviet Union differ from Stalin’s rule before him?
  - What were the major characteristics of post-World War II European society?
  - In what ways had these societies changed from earlier eras?
  - What is meant by the term “European welfare state”? When did this term emerge?

1922-1952: Joseph Stalin
- Focus on the prioritization of heavy industry and collectivized agriculture.
- Engaged in frequent purges aimed at eliminating perceived enemies.
1953-1964: Nikita Khrushchev
- Initiated “De-Stalinization” to distance from Stalin's oppressive practices.
- Shifted economic emphasis towards light industry.
1964-1982: Leonid Brezhnev
- Engaged in retrenchment; many of Khrushchev's reforms were rolled back without a return to Stalin's reign of terror.

In February 1956, Khrushchev delivered the “Secret Speech”, denouncing aspects of Stalin’s rule.
- His administration saw relaxation of oppressive policies but faced domestic and international criticisms, leading to his ouster in 1964.
Khrushchev’s reforms encouraged greater independence attempts in Eastern Europe.
- In 1956, the Hungarian people deposed a hardline communist ruler, replacing him with Imre Nagy.
- Nagy promised free elections, prompting Soviet military intervention.
The 1956 Hungarian uprising was suppressed by the Red Army, resulting in approximately: - 2,500 Hungarians killed - Over 700 Soviet soldiers killed - Thousands more injured on both sides.

Economic recovery with rapidly rising living standards.
The re-emergence of West Germany as a significant European nation.
Establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC), precursor to the modern European Union.
Emergence of the modern welfare state in most major European societies.

Most European societies experienced massive economic devastation due to World War II.
Economic recovery proceeded quickly; by 1950, industrial outputs had increased 30% above prewar levels.
The period from 1950-1970 saw the longest sustained economic boom in European history.
Increased economic prosperity resulted in a decline of support for Communist parties in Western Europe: - Example: The French communist party received 23% of the nationwide vote in 1945, dropping to 12.6% by 1962.
Leftist parties in Europe abandoned communism, rebranding themselves as social democratic parties.

In 1954, Time magazine named West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer its Man of the Year.
- Adenauer was instrumental in the rehabilitation of West Germany, strengthening political, economic, and social ties with neighboring countries, particularly France.
By 1955, West Germany was granted membership in NATO, signaling acceptance as an ally rather than a threat.
- This acceptance showcased the effectiveness of Adenauer’s diplomacy.

1951-52: Establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) aimed at reducing tariffs on coal and steel trade.
1957: ECSC evolved into the European Economic Community (EEC): - Created a free trade zone among its members. - Goods shipped between EEC members were not subject to tariffs. - Established common tariff rates for regulating trade with non-EEC members.
The EEC continued to expand and evolve throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Emergence of substantial government involvement in citizens’ lives, leading to a “cradle to grave” assistance system, including: - Old-age pensions, - Universal health care, - Child care funding, - Free or low-cost public education (including higher education).
These programs are funded through tax revenue, significantly increasing social welfare spending from 17% of GDP in 1967 to 40-50% by the mid-1980s.

Critics argue that extensive public programs create large-scale dependency on the government.
Despite criticism, these welfare programs enjoy high popularity, with political leaders from all ideological backgrounds hesitant to propose cuts because of potential political repercussions.
Demonstrations in Britain, such as protests supporting the National Health Service (NHS), reflect the public's strong favor for such programs.

Citizens of Paris and Germans traversing East and West Berlin illustrate the societal transformations post-World War II.
Students are encouraged to analyze and describe the biggest differences between Western European societies of the 1950s and 1960s compared to pre-World War II societies, providing thorough explanations for their views.