how did the soviet union come to dominate eastern europe after world war 2?
The Soviet Union came to dominate Eastern Europe after World War II primarily due to its military strength, strategic positioning, and the agreements made during the Yalta and Potsdam conferences. Here are some key factors:
1. Military Victory: The Soviet Union played a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II. The Red Army successfully advanced into Eastern Europe, liberating many countries from German occupation. This military victory placed the Soviet Union in a position of influence and control.
2. Strategic Positioning: The Soviet Union had a significant advantage in terms of its proximity to Eastern Europe. Its geographical location allowed for a quick and decisive occupation of the region, making it the first power to establish control in the aftermath of the war.
3. Yalta Conference: In February 1945, the leaders of the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom met at the Yalta Conference. They agreed to divide Germany into occupation zones, with the Soviet Union given control over Eastern Germany, including Berlin. This division allowed the Soviets to exert influence over Eastern European countries that bordered Germany.
4. Potsdam Conference: In July 1945, the leaders of the same three nations met at the Potsdam Conference. They confirmed the division of Germany and decided on the expulsion of Germans from Eastern European countries. The conference further solidified the Soviet Union's control over the region.
5. Communist Governments: The Soviet Union actively promoted and established communist governments in the countries it occupied. Through governments loyal to Moscow, it was able to exercise political, economic, and military control over these Eastern European nations. This process was often implemented through rigged elections, purges, and suppression of opposition.
6. Iron Curtain: The term "Iron Curtain" was coined by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to describe the division between Western and Eastern Europe. The Soviet Union reinforced this division by supporting communist regimes and isolating Eastern Europe from Western influence, making it difficult for these countries to pursue independent paths.
Through a combination of military might, strategic positioning, and political maneuvering, the Soviet Union was able to establish and maintain dominance over Eastern Europe after World War II.