1945-1949: Eastern Europe casestudy

Question 1

How was Poland set up

Answer 1

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

Question 2

How did Poland become Communist

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Why didn’t Stalin execute Gomulka

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Who is the leader of Poland

Answer 4

Boleslaw Bierut

Question 5

Evaluation of Poland

Answer 5

Stalin is breaking Yalta agreements about free elections. Stalin plans was to merge groups then purge those not loyal to Stalin

Question 6

Political Context of Czechoslovakia

Answer 6

They host two elections one for president and one for party. The Communist won 38% in 1946 but the President Benes was not Communist.

Question 7

How did Czechoslovakia develop

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Who is the leader of Czechoslovakia

Answer 8

As Benes was popular he was forced to resign and the communist Gottwald took over.

Question 9

Evaluation of Czechoslovakia

Answer 9

Shows a hardening of attitudes as West condemn but cannot do anything as would interfere spheres of influence + balance of power

Question 10

Political context of Yugoslavia

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Key developments in Yugoslavia

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Define Cominform and Comecone

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Evaluation of Yugoslavia

Answer 13

It shows that Stalin both wanted communist countries and one under soviet influence.

Question 14

Political context of Romania

Answer 14

After WW2 the Red Army occupied Romania

Question 15

Key developments of Romania

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Who was the leader of Romania

Answer 16

Gheorghe Gheoghiv-Dej

Question 17

Political context of Bulgaria

Answer 17

Red army present after WW2. And Communist party had base of support + apart of coalition government

Question 18

Key developments in Bulgaria

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Political context of Hungary

Answer 19

Red army was present. Hungarian Communist party had base of support + part of coalition. Main rivals were Smallholders Party.

Question 20

Key development of Hungary

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Who became president of Hungary

Answer 21

Rakosi becomes PM

Question 22

Political context of ‘Eastern Germany’

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Key developments of ‘Eastern Germany’

Answer 23

April 1946 Ulbricht ordered to merge Socialist parties, creating Socialist Unity Party. Then purge leadership of the socialist party.