Satellite States, 1946-49

What were the Soviet satellite states?

The Soviet satellite states were countries in eastern Europe under the political, economic and military influence of the USSR.

Who were the Soviet satellite states?

They were Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and East Germany.

When were the Soviet satellite states created?

The satellite states were created between 1946 and 1949.

What methods were used to create the Soviet satellite states?

There are 2 key things to note about the methods used:

• ❖ In the late 1940s, Stalin installed communist leaders in eastern European countries using 'salami tactics'.
• ❖ The term 'salami tactics' was coined by the communist Hungarian leader, Matyas Rakosi, to describe how Stalin dealt with opposition 'slice by slice'.

How were the Soviet satellite states created?

There were 5 main ways in which the Soviet Union took over eastern European countries:

• ❖ The Red Army supported communists and intimidated the opposition. They acted as an occupying force.
• ❖ Elections were held and as a result the communists were part of coalition governments.
• ❖ The communists worked in coalitions to undermine the government and held key positions, such as head of the police, so they could arrest and murder opponents.
• ❖ Propaganda was used to label any opposition party or leader as a fascist to boost support for communist parties or to demonise democratic politicians.
• ❖ Once in government, communist parties, aided by the security forces, rigged elections to ensure they remained in power.

What was the importance of the Soviet satellite states?

The satellite states helped the Soviet Union in 4 key ways:

• ❖ It meant the USSR had gained a large territory with which it could trade.
• ❖ They enhanced its power.
• ❖ In theory, they strengthened communism.
• ❖ They acted as a buffer zone to protect the USSR from invasion.

What were the different points of view about the Soviet satellite states?

There are 2 key things to note about how satellite states are viewed:

• ❖ Stalin viewed the satellite states as a necessary buffer against future invasion, in particular from Germany.
• ❖ However, Britain and the USA saw them as a threat to the West.