3.3 Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe

After World War II, the Soviet Union rapidly expanded its influence across Eastern Europe. Stalin's regime established satellite states, creating a buffer zone against the West and imposing communist systems on these nations.

The Iron Curtain divided Europe, symbolizing the ideological split between East and West. Soviet control was maintained through military presence, economic ties, and political pressure, shaping the Cold War landscape for decades to come.

Soviet Expansion and Control

Iron Curtain and Satellite States

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• Iron Curtain symbolized ideological and physical boundary dividing Europe into communist East and capitalist West
• Stretched from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic
• Satellite states referred to countries in Eastern Europe under Soviet control (Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria)
• Maintained appearance of independence but followed Soviet directives
• Served as buffer zone between Soviet Union and Western Europe

Sovietization Process

• Sovietization involved imposing Soviet-style political and economic systems on Eastern European countries
• Included nationalization of industries, collectivization of agriculture, and centralized economic planning
• Implemented through coercion, propaganda, and manipulation of local politics
• Salami tactics used to gradually eliminate opposition parties and consolidate communist power
  • Involved isolating and removing non-communist elements one by one
  • Applied in countries like Hungary and Czechoslovakia

Soviet Sphere of Influence

• Soviet sphere of influence extended over Eastern Europe, known as the Eastern Bloc
• Encompassed countries directly bordering the Soviet Union and beyond
• Maintained through military presence, economic ties, and political pressure
• Aimed to create a buffer zone against perceived Western aggression
• Included imposing Soviet-approved leaders and suppressing dissent (Hungarian Revolution of 1956)

International Communist Organizations

Cominform and Communist Parties

• Cominform (Communist Information Bureau) established in 1947 to coordinate actions between communist parties
• Served as a tool for Soviet control over communist movements in Europe
• Facilitated exchange of information and coordination of policies among member parties
• Promoted Soviet-approved interpretation of Marxism-Leninism
• National communist parties in Eastern Bloc countries:
  • Acted as local agents of Soviet influence
  • Implemented policies aligned with Moscow's directives
  • Controlled government institutions and suppressed opposition

Warsaw Pact

• Collective defense treaty signed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and seven Eastern European countries
• Formed in response to West Germany joining NATO
• Formalized military cooperation among Eastern Bloc countries
• Key provisions:
  • Mutual defense clause similar to NATO's Article 5
  • Standardization of military equipment and tactics
  • Joint military exercises and intelligence sharing
• Served as counterbalance to NATO in Europe during Cold War

Post-WWII Conferences and Events

Yalta and Potsdam Conferences

• Yalta Conference (February 1945):
  • Attended by Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin
  • Discussed post-war reorganization of Europe
  • Agreed on Soviet participation in war against Japan
  • Established framework for United Nations
• Potsdam Conference (July-August 1945):
  • Attended by Truman, Churchill/Attlee, and Stalin
  • Finalized decisions on Germany's future
  • Agreed on reparations and border changes
  • Revealed growing tensions between Western Allies and Soviet Union

Czechoslovak Coup and Stalin's Policies

• Czechoslovak coup d'état (February 1948):
  • Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia's government
  • Marked the end of the country's post-war democratic period
  • Resulted in purges of non-communist officials and suppression of opposition
• Stalin's policies in Eastern Europe:
  • Emphasized rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture
  • Implemented centralized economic planning based on Soviet model
  • Suppressed nationalist movements and religious institutions
  • Established secret police forces to maintain control (East German Stasi)