Soviet power in Eastern Europe

• talin took control of most of Eastern Europe very easily as people were glad to be freed from Nazi control.
• Yugoslavia under Marshal Tito would not do as Stalin said and upset him more than America did.

USSR controlled much of Eastern Europe because:

• After war many countries had a political vacuum - Stalin got Communist parties to win power.
• The need to restore law and order gave an excuse for Russian troops to enter countries.
• Economy needed rebuilding so Communists took over industries etc.
• If Soviet control was threatened the USSR used tanks to crush opposition.

BUT

• People didn't like losing freedom of speech.
• Wages fell lower than Capitalist countries.
• Countries couldn't apply for Marshall Aid as Stalin forbade it.
• Countries still suffered shortages.
• Consumer goods were very expensive.
• Anti-Communists were sent to prison.