Comecon

Question 1

when was it set up?

Answer 1

1949

Question 2

What was it?

Answer 2

the Soviet alternative to the Marshall Plan.
It was an economic organisation to support communist countries and tie them to the USSR.

Question 3

aims?

Answer 3

Strengthen economic ties between communist countries.
2. Avoid reliance on the West—especially on American money from the Marshall Plan.
3. Control Eastern European economies to benefit the USSR.
4. Spread Stalin’s version of communism.

Question 4

How did it work?

Answer 4

Trade was organised to favour the USSR:
• The USSR gave oil and raw materials.
• Satellite states had to buy Soviet goods and follow Soviet economic policies.
• Set production targets (like in the USSR’s 5-year plans).
• Discouraged trade with non-communist countries.

Question 5

Problems?

Answer 5

It was more about benefiting the USSR than helping other countries.
• Eastern European economies became dependent on the Soviet Union.
• It limited innovation and growth compared to Western Europe.