# Soviet power in Eastern Europe

Source: https://projectgcse.co.uk/history/the_cold_war/soviet_power_in_eastern_europe

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- 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.