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During the period 1945-1992, to what extent did Soviet Russia control Eastern Europe? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2020
Question 1
During the period 1945-1992, to what extent did Soviet Russia control Eastern Europe?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:During the period 1945-1992, to what extent did Soviet Russia control Eastern Europe? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2020
Step 1
Historical Context
Answer
To understand the extent of Soviet control over Eastern Europe from 1945 to 1992, it is essential to examine the historical context following World War II. After the war, Eastern European countries fell under Soviet influence, largely due to the power vacuum created by the defeat of Nazi Germany. The imposition of communist governments in countries like Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany demonstrated the USSR's strategic interest in maintaining a buffer zone against the West.
Step 2
Political Control
Answer
Soviet control was extensive politically, with the establishment of satellite states that were loyal to Moscow. These regimes were often propped up by the Soviet military presence and the KGB's influence, ensuring that local governments adhered to the policies dictated by the Kremlin. The establishment of the Warsaw Pact in 1955 further solidified military cooperation and collective defense among these states.
Step 3
Economic Control
Answer
Economically, the USSR exerted control through the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon), which dictated trade relationships and economic policies in the region. Eastern bloc countries were heavily reliant on the Soviet Union for resources and economic stability, which curtailed their economic autonomy and reinforced Soviet dominance.
Step 4
Cultural and Ideological Control
Answer
Culturally, the Soviet Union promoted communist ideology and suppressed dissent through censorship and propaganda. Educational systems were aligned to reflect Soviet values, and any signs of opposition, such as uprisings in Hungary (1956) or Prague Spring (1968), were met with military intervention, showcasing the lengths the USSR would go to maintain control.
Step 5
Decline of Control
Answer
However, by the late 1980s, internal dissent within Eastern Europe began to grow, as movements for reform and greater independence emerged. The policies of Mikhail Gorbachev, particularly glasnost and perestroika, unintentionally encouraged these movements, leading to the eventual collapse of communist regimes across the region by the early 1990s, marking the decline of Soviet control.
Step 6
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while Soviet Russia exercised considerable control over Eastern Europe in various dimensions—politically, economically, and ideologically—this control began to wane towards the end of the 1980s, culminating in the significant political changes witnessed in 1989 and 1990.