Soviet power in Eastern Europe

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GCSE History> Cold War> Soviet power in Eastern Europe
Stalin 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.

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