Chapter 20- the Cold War & Postwar Changes 1945-1970

20.2- The Soviet Union and Eastern Europe

The Soviet Union & Eastern Europe

Main IdeasAs Soviet leader, Khrushchev initiated policies

of de-StalinizationThe Soviet Union faced revolts and protests

in its attempt to gain and maintain control over Eastern Europe

Key Termsheavy industry- the manufacture of machines

and equipment for factories and minesde-Stalinization- the process of eliminating

some of Stalin’s ruthless policies

The Reign of Stalin

The economy of the Soviet Union was devastated by World War II

Stalin used harsh tactics to control every aspect of Soviet societyall literary and scientific work had to

conform to the political needs of the state

goods were produced almost exclusively for export

money from export goods was used to buy machinery and Western technology

The Reign of Stalin

By the end of the 1950s the Soviet Union a became world powernew power plants, canals, and giant factoriesheavy industry increasedthe testing of the hydrogen bomb in 1953 the launch of the first space satellite Sputnik I

in 1957Stalin died in 1953

The Khrushchev EraAfter Stalin’s death, Nikita Khrushchev

became the chief policy maker in the Soviet Union

The Khrushchev EraUnder Khrushchev, de-Stalinization was

put in placecondemned Stalin for his “administrative

violence, mass repression, and terror”loosened government controls on literatureplaced emphasis on producing consumer

goodsthe government destroyed pictures and

statues of Stalinplaces named after Stalin, such as Stalingrad

and Stalin Peak, were renamed during this program to dishonor Stalin

The Khrushchev Era

Khrushchev was forced into retirement in 1964his foreign policy in Cuba failedattempts to increase agricultural output failedthe industrial growth rate also declined

Eastern Europe: Behind the Iron CurtainAfter World War II, Soviet-

controlled Communist governments took control of Eastern European countries

Eastern European satellite states instituted Soviet-type five-year plans with emphasis on heavy industryThey began to collectivize

agricultureThey set up secret police and

military forces

Eastern Europe: Behind the Iron Curtain

Exceptions to the pattern of Soviet dominance:Albania, the Communist government grew

increasingly independent of the Soviet UnionYugoslavia, led by Tito, was an independent

Communist state until Tito’s death in 1980.

Eastern Europe: Behind the Iron Curtain

Revolts against communismAfter Stalin’s death many Eastern European

states tried to make reformsThe Soviet Union, however, made it clear that

it would not allow its Eastern European satellites to become independent

In 1956 revolts against communism erupted in Poland, and a series of reforms were adopted

Fearful of a Soviet armed response, however, the Poles pledged to remain loyal to the Warsaw Pact

Eastern Europe: Behind the Iron Curtain Imre Nagy

Hungarian leader declared Hungary a free nation in 1956Soviet troops attacked Budapest and

reestablished control of the countryAlexander Dubček

first secretary of the Communist party in Czechoslovakia

introduced reforms to the country, including freedom of speech and press

the Soviet Army invaded Czechoslovakia, crushed the reform movement, and reestablished Soviet control