1.3

• How did Soviets take control of the nations?

  • Coalition governments
  • Arresting oposing politicians
  • Using military force
  • Rigged elections
• East Germany - How it was taken over - 1945


  • It was established in the Yalta conference that East Germany would fall under the ocupation zone of the USSR. In 1945, the USSR set up a communist regieme by rigging "free" elections.
  • In 1953, demostrations occured across the nation against communist polices. However, these were put down by military agression
• Bulgaria - How it was taken over - 1945


  • In 1944, while the war was still going a left wing coalition took over Bulgaria. The coalition included communists
  • In November 1945, they had free elections that were rigged by communists.
  • Upon their victory, the communists abolished all other parties and killed anyone who opposed them.
• Hungary - 1947


  • In 1945, free elections were held. The comunists won some seats but not enough to get power.
  • In 1947, after another round of free elections the communist won by intimidation strategies.
• Poland - 1945


  • Free elections were held in 1945. A coalition of left wing parties, including communists came to power.
  • USA and Britian urged Stalin to take some poles that were in Exile in London into the government. Stalin did so.
  • In 1947, more Free elections were held. However, this time they were rigged and the communists came out victorious through intimidation strategies.
  • The Polish government that came from exlie was either killed, imprisoned or fled
• Romania - 1947


  • In 1945, as the war ended a coalition of left wing parties, including communists took over the country.
  • In February 1945, the king was forced to take a communists prime minister
  • By June, the communists were in control of the government
  • Rigged free elections in 1947 gave the communists complete control.
• Czechoslovakia - 1948


  • Free elections were held in 1945, a coalition of left wing parties including the communists came to power.
  • In 1946, the government was dominated by communists however they could not win complete control through fair elections and began to lose suport.
  • In 1948, they used the army to take over, removing officers who might object doing so.
  • Many non communists were arrested or killed