How Soviet Control Was Carried Out

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Introduction

The Red Army remained in occupation and the Soviet Union established communist governments in the countries that were closely controlled from Moscow. These countries became known as Satellite States. The same pattern was followed in each country:

  • Coalition governments were set up in which the communists shared power with other political parties.
  • Backed by Stalin, the communists took over the civil service, media, security and defense.
  • Opposition leaders were arrested or forced to flee.
  • Elections were held, but were fixed to ensure support for the communists.
  • 'People's democracies' were set up.

Satellite State - A country that is officially independent but in reality is controlled by another country.

Coalition Government - A government made up of representatives of more than one political party.

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Key Words

Proxy War- When both sides are not in direct conflict but are supporting the opposition to their enemy. E.g. Vietnam

Propaganda- Governments used this to persuade their citizens that the enemy was 'evil'.

Arms Race- A competition between nations for superiority development and weapons.

Alliances- Both sides formed military alliances and fight the same enemy(ies).

Ideology- The idea/bases on which a country is run.

Satellite State- A country that is officially independent but in reality is controlled by another country.

Bizonia- British, US, Soviet zones in Germany.

Trizonia- British, US, Soviet and French zones in Germany.

Coalition Government- A government made up of representatives of more than one political party.

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Key Words

Destalinisation- Reversing Stalin's laws and brutal methods of control within the Soviet 'sphere of influence'.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)- USA & USSR wouldn't go to nuclear war because they both knew each country would be destroyed.

Stalemate-When neither side is willing to change their positions or give in on a particular issue.

Mujahadeen- Islamic fundamentalists who fought the USSR in Afghanistan.

Detente- Relaxing of relations between the USA & USSR.

SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative)- Reagan's 'star wars' plan where lasers would destroy nuclear missiles after launch.

Glasnost- Openness, less censorship of press, less corruption, more democracy, and freedom of speech.

Perestroika- Restructuring, economic reforms designed to make Soviet economy more efficient, affordable consumer goods.

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Eastern European Countries

Poland

In June 1945 a coalition government of several parties was set up in Poland. In January 1947 elections were rigged to ensure the election of a totally communist government. The leader of the main opposition party, Stanislaw MiloKajcyk, fled to London.

Romania

In 1945 a coalition government was set up. Communists took part in disrupting the government. In March 1945, Soviet army intervened and forced the king to appoint a government dominated by communists under Petru Groza. In November 1946, the communists gained 80% votes. In 1947, the communist government abolished the monarchy.

These were acts of hostility. 

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Eastern European Countries

Poland

In June 1945 a coalition government of several parties was set up in Poland. In January 1947 elections were rigged to ensure the election of a totally communist government. The leader of the main opposition party, Stanislaw MiloKajcyk, fled to London.

Romania

In 1945 a coalition government was set up. Communists took part in disrupting the government. In March 1945, Soviet army intervened and forced the king to appoint a government dominated by communists under Petru Groza. In November 1946, the communists gained 80% votes. In 1947, the communist government abolished the monarchy.

These were acts of hostility. 

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