Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe Flashcards
Which countries were conquered by the Soviet Union in 1940 and treated as part of the Soviet Union?
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (Baltic States).
Why were Yugoslavia and Albania seen as having more independence compared to other countries in Eastern Europe?
The Soviet Red Army never occupied them, as they were already communist countries.
How did Stalin turn six other countries into satellite states?
He established communist governments in those countries, reducing their independence from the Soviet Union.
What was the significance of Czechoslovakia in Eastern Europe after the Second World War?
It was the only democracy in Eastern Europe.
Why did Stalin support the overthrow of the Czech President and the establishment of a communist government in Czechoslovakia?
He saw the attempt to restore pre-war democracy as a threat to the secure buffer zone he was trying to set up.
What happened in Poland during the Warsaw Uprising, and how did the Soviet Union respond?
- Poles rebelled against German occupation, and the Soviet Union promised to help them.
- However, instead of assisting, the Red Army waited until the uprising was over and then invaded Poland to establish a pro-communist government.
How did the Soviet Red Army establish control in Bulgaria, Romania, and eastern parts of Germany?
They held ‘free’ elections, but voters were intimidated into voting for Communist Party candidates.
