1945-1949: Eastern/Southern Europe casestudies Flashcards
How was Poland set up
It had two governments - The Lublin government, which included Stanislav Mikoyajczyk (previous president of Poland) and the London regime. With the Lublin government being set up by Stalin and Communist
How did Poland become Communist
June 1945 there was a unification between Lublin and London regime - Promising free election.
In January 1947 merged socialist parties.
October 1947 members of London regime were removed from government
1948 - They dissolve other parties as well as Gomulka opposes Stalin even if they are both Communist
Why didn’t Stalin execute Gomulka
As Poland was focus in Yalta and Potsdam so if he did would raise suspicion on his agreements. Particularly percentages agreements that Stalin is using to ensure Soviet Security.
Who is the leader of Poland
Boleslaw Bierut
Evaluation of Poland
Stalin is breaking Yalta agreements about free elections. Stalin plans was to merge groups then purge those not loyal to Stalin
Political Context of Czechoslovakia
They host two elections one for president and one for party. The Communist won 38% in 1946 but the President Benes was not Communist.
How did Czechoslovakia develop
Communist refused Marshall aid but the people wanted the money. Making them unpopular. So before the 1948 election the Communist did a coup. Taking over police force and members of political parties removed.
Jan Masaryk defenestrated. Communist say he jumped out though.
Who is the leader of Czechoslovakia
As Benes was popular he was forced to resign and the communist Gottwald took over.
Evaluation of Czechoslovakia
Shows a hardening of attitudes as West condemn but cannot do anything as would interfere spheres of influence + balance of power
Political context of Yugoslavia
The leader was Josip Broz Tito who was communist. The country was communist after the war.
Tito was seen as a hero which undermined Stalin and gave them an alternative leader for Communism
Key developments in Yugoslavia
It showed that Soviet Union did not have much influence. Causing tension between Tito and Stalin. Tito wanted to be independent, not wanting to be a Soviet Puppet.
In June 1948, Yugoslavia was expelled from Cominform as leaders accused of not being Marxist.
Define Cominform and Comecone
Cominform - Organisation controlled by USSR, set up in 1947 to coordinate parties
Comecone - Organisation controlled by USSR, set up in 1949 to coordinate the economy of communist countries
Evaluation of Yugoslavia
It shows that Stalin both wanted communist countries and one under soviet influence.
Political context of Romania
After WW2 the Red Army occupied Romania
Key developments of Romania
Stalin used influence to occupy police and security services. Then rig the election in November 1946 winning 80% of the vote. Then by 1947, dissolved the Peasants Party and made King Michael abdicate
Who was the leader of Romania
Gheorghe Gheoghiv-Dej
Political context of Bulgaria
Red army present after WW2. And Communist party had base of support + apart of coalition government
Key developments in Bulgaria
Used power to ensure Communist had key posts in provisional government. Then use position to manipulate elections and force opponents out of office.
October 1946: Communist had 75% of votes in rigged election. The Agrarian party led by Nikola Petkov won 20%
1947: Petkov arrested and executed and party absorbed by Communists
April 1947: Other political parties banned
Political context of Hungary
Red army was present. Hungarian Communist party had base of support + part of coalition. Main rivals were Smallholders Party.
Key development of Hungary
Stalin ensure Communist had key posts. Rigged elections in 1947 to secure power.
Communist remove opponent in 1948 and force SDP into a coalition
Communist part divided in two factions. One pro-Stalin other was more independent ‘home-faction’
Stalinist faction purged ‘home’ faction
Laslo Rajik, leader of ‘home’ faction was arrested + executed
By 1949 all opposition disappeared
Who became president of Hungary
Rakosi becomes PM
Political context of ‘Eastern Germany’
East Germany only exists in post 1949. Red army occupied with Communist party led by Walter Ulbricht. A Stalinist. But communist were a small party
Key developments of ‘Eastern Germany’
April 1946 Ulbricht ordered to merge Socialist parties, creating Socialist Unity Party. Then purge leadership of the socialist party.
