9.2 Nationalism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe

Soviet and Eastern European nationalism evolved dramatically from 1917 to 1991. Initially, Lenin's policies promoted ethnic autonomy, but Stalin later suppressed non-Russian cultures. Post-Stalin, limited liberalization occurred, yet russification persisted in Soviet republics and satellite states.

Gorbachev's reforms unintentionally fueled nationalist movements. As the USSR weakened, independence movements gained momentum in the Baltics and other republics. The Soviet collapse led to peaceful revolutions in Eastern Europe and new challenges in nation-building and ethnic conflicts.

Soviet and Eastern European Nationalism

Evolution of nationalist sentiments

Top images from around the web for Evolution of nationalist sentiments

• 

  Republics of the Soviet Union - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev, 1936.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Republics of the Soviet Union - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev, 1936.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Evolution of nationalist sentiments

• 

  Republics of the Soviet Union - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev, 1936.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Republics of the Soviet Union - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev, 1936.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Early Soviet period (1917-1930s)
  • Lenin's nationality policy granted right of nations to self-determination led to creation of ethnic republics and autonomous regions (Uzbek SSR, Tatar ASSR)
  • Korenizatsiya policy promoted local languages and cultures fostered development of national elites in non-Russian areas
• Stalinist era (1930s-1953)
  • Shifted towards Russian-centric policies suppressed non-Russian cultures
  • Forced collectivization and industrialization disrupted traditional societies
  • Deportation of ethnic groups uprooted entire populations (Crimean Tatars, Chechens)
• Post-Stalin period (1953-1985)
  • De-Stalinization under Khrushchev allowed limited cultural expression
  • Limited cultural liberalization permitted some national traditions to resurface
  • Continued russification policies imposed Russian language in education and administration
• Satellite states in Eastern Europe
  • Imposition of Soviet-style systems eroded local traditions and governance
  • Suppression of local nationalist movements crushed uprisings (Hungarian Revolution 1956, Prague Spring 1968)
  • Rise of dissident movements challenged Soviet control (Solidarity in Poland)

Rise of dissident nationalist movements

• Economic stagnation and shortages fueled discontent with Soviet system
• Cultural repression and russification policies sparked resistance among non-Russian populations
• Environmental concerns galvanized public opposition (Chernobyl disaster 1986)
• Intellectual dissent spread through samizdat underground publications
• Religious persecution strengthened role of churches as centers of resistance (Catholic Church in Poland, Orthodox Church in Russia)
• Human rights violations exposed by Helsinki Accords (1975) increased international pressure
• Generational shift led to youth dissatisfaction with Soviet system
• Influence of Western media and culture penetrated Iron Curtain through radio broadcasts and smuggled materials

Impact of glasnost and perestroika

• Glasnost relaxed censorship allowed public discussion of previously taboo topics (historical grievances, ethnic conflicts)
• Perestroika introduced economic reforms and political liberalization weakened central control
• Unintended consequences emboldened nationalist movements and exposed systemic weaknesses
• Baltic independence movements gained momentum (Singing Revolution in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania)
• Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan erupted into open hostilities
• Nationalist parties in Soviet republics gained popular support and political influence
• Central control over Eastern European satellites weakened (Roundtable talks in Poland, Fall of the Berlin Wall)

Nationalism in Soviet collapse

• Dissolution of the Soviet Union
  1. August Coup (1991) failed attempt to preserve USSR
  2. Soviet republics declared independence
  3. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) formed as loose association
• Peaceful revolutions in Eastern Europe overthrew communist regimes (Solidarity in Poland, Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia)
• Ethnic conflicts erupted in post-Soviet space (War in Transnistria, Georgian-Abkhaz conflict)
• Nation-building challenges emerged:
  • Defining citizenship and language policies to integrate diverse populations
  • Economic transition difficulties as countries moved from planned to market economies
• Ethnonationalism led to Yugoslavia's violent breakup into separate states
• National identities redefined through de-Sovietization efforts and revival of pre-Soviet traditions and symbols
• Newly independent states sought international recognition and integration (UN membership, NATO and EU expansion eastward)