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Soviet Expansion in Eastern Europe: What Happened in 1945-49 and How It Affected the Cold War

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Imy

24/07/2025

History

Impact of Soviet Expansion

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History

The cold war

The start of the cold war 1945-55

171

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24 Jul 2025

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2 pages

Soviet Expansion in Eastern Europe: What Happened in 1945-49 and How It Affected the Cold War

user profile picture

Imy

@studywithimy

Soviet expansion in Eastern Europeled to significant geopolitical changes... Show more

Atomic bomb: ● 6th August 1945 - USA exploded atom bomb on Hiroshima 9th August - 2nd bomb over Nagasaki Hiroshima equivalent to 12,000 tons

Diplomatic Tensions and the Iron Curtain

The period of Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe was marked by significant diplomatic exchanges that shaped the Cold War landscape. Two key communications, The Long Telegram and The Novikov Telegram, revealed the deep-seated mistrust between the USA and the Soviet Union.

The Long Telegram

George Kennan, America's ambassador in Moscow, sent a telegram discussing US-Soviet relations that had a profound impact on American foreign policy.

Quote: Kennan advised the US government to "regard the Soviet Union as a rival."

Key points of The Long Telegram:

  1. It was taken seriously by the American government.
  2. The message worried the USA government.
  3. Kennan reported that Stalin wanted to see the destruction of capitalism.
  4. He conveyed that the Soviets felt the world outside was hostile and looking to destroy communism.

Highlight: The Long Telegram played a crucial role in shaping the USA's containment policy towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The Novikov Telegram

In response to Kennan's telegram, Nikolai Novikov, a Soviet diplomat working in Washington, sent a telegram that mirrored the distrust from the Soviet perspective.

Key aspects of The Novikov Telegram:

  1. It demonstrated that the Soviets thought poorly of the West.
  2. Novikov claimed that the USA wanted to use massive military power to dominate the world.
  3. He suggested that Americans no longer wanted to cooperate and would support their government if it came to war.
  4. The telegram had a major impact in Moscow, emphasizing the need to develop as much protection as possible.

Example: The mutual distrust evident in these telegrams led to increased military spending and the intensification of the arms race between the two superpowers.

The Iron Curtain Speech

In March 1946, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered a speech that defined US-Soviet relations and highlighted the Soviet threat to freedom and world peace.

Key points of the Iron Curtain speech:

  1. It was provoked by the establishment of new communist governments in Eastern Europe.
  2. Churchill cleared the speech with President Truman, indicating that it reflected American beliefs as well.
  3. The speech increased tension and mistrust between East and West.
  4. In response, the Soviet Union strengthened its forces and stepped up anti-Western propaganda.

Vocabulary: The term "Iron Curtain" became a metaphor for the ideological and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II until the end of the Cold War.

The Iron Curtain speech marked a turning point in US-Soviet relations, intensifying hostility and solidifying the division of Europe into two opposing blocs. This event, along with the diplomatic exchanges of The Long Telegram and The Novikov Telegram, set the stage for decades of Cold War tensions and the ongoing struggle between capitalist and communist ideologies.

Atomic bomb: ● 6th August 1945 - USA exploded atom bomb on Hiroshima 9th August - 2nd bomb over Nagasaki Hiroshima equivalent to 12,000 tons

Atomic Bomb and Soviet Expansionism

The use of atomic bombs by the USA in August 1945 marked a pivotal moment in World War II and set the stage for the Cold War. On August 6th, the USA detonated an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, followed by a second bomb over Nagasaki on August 9th. These devastating attacks, equivalent to 12,000 tons of TNT, resulted in an estimated 120,000 Japanese civilian casualties.

Highlight: The atomic bombs not only aimed to defeat Japan without Soviet involvement but also served as a show of force to threaten the Soviet Union.

The USA's possession of atomic weapons placed it in a powerful position, offering protection to Western Europe. However, this development had unintended consequences:

  1. Stalin felt threatened by the USA's power but became more determined to secure the Soviet Union through buffer communist countries.
  2. Contrary to American hopes, the bomb did not persuade Stalin to allow more freedom in Eastern Europe. Instead, it intensified Cold War tensions and sparked an arms race.

Soviet Expansion Motivations

The Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe was driven by two primary objectives:

  1. Expanding communism
  2. Ensuring security against potential attacks

Definition: Soviet expansionism refers to the USSR's policy of extending its influence and control over Eastern European countries in the aftermath of World War II.

The Soviets implemented several strategies to achieve their expansionist goals:

  • Establishing communist governments in liberated countries, creating satellite states
  • Setting up coalition governments where power was shared
  • Taking control of civil service and media through communist parties
  • Arresting or forcing opposition leaders to flee
  • Conducting fixed elections to ensure communist victories

Vocabulary: Satellite states were countries nominally independent but under heavy political, economic, and military influence or control by the Soviet Union.

The Percentage Deal

Churchill proposed a "percentage deal" to divide control over various countries between the Soviet Union and other powers. For example:

  • Romania: 90% Soviet Union, 10% others
  • Greece: 90% Soviet Union, 10% others
  • Hungary: 50% Soviet Union, 50% others

This deal attempted to formalize spheres of influence in Eastern Europe.



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Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Subjects

History

The cold war

The start of the cold war 1945-55

 

History

•

171

•

24 Jul 2025

•

2 pages

Soviet Expansion in Eastern Europe: What Happened in 1945-49 and How It Affected the Cold War

user profile picture

Imy

@studywithimy

Soviet expansion in Eastern Europeled to significant geopolitical changes and heightened Cold War tensions. The USSR's actions, including the establishment of communist governments and the creation of satellite states, were driven by a desire to expand communism and ensure... Show more

Atomic bomb: ● 6th August 1945 - USA exploded atom bomb on Hiroshima 9th August - 2nd bomb over Nagasaki Hiroshima equivalent to 12,000 tons

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

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Diplomatic Tensions and the Iron Curtain

The period of Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe was marked by significant diplomatic exchanges that shaped the Cold War landscape. Two key communications, The Long Telegram and The Novikov Telegram, revealed the deep-seated mistrust between the USA and the Soviet Union.

The Long Telegram

George Kennan, America's ambassador in Moscow, sent a telegram discussing US-Soviet relations that had a profound impact on American foreign policy.

Quote: Kennan advised the US government to "regard the Soviet Union as a rival."

Key points of The Long Telegram:

  1. It was taken seriously by the American government.
  2. The message worried the USA government.
  3. Kennan reported that Stalin wanted to see the destruction of capitalism.
  4. He conveyed that the Soviets felt the world outside was hostile and looking to destroy communism.

Highlight: The Long Telegram played a crucial role in shaping the USA's containment policy towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The Novikov Telegram

In response to Kennan's telegram, Nikolai Novikov, a Soviet diplomat working in Washington, sent a telegram that mirrored the distrust from the Soviet perspective.

Key aspects of The Novikov Telegram:

  1. It demonstrated that the Soviets thought poorly of the West.
  2. Novikov claimed that the USA wanted to use massive military power to dominate the world.
  3. He suggested that Americans no longer wanted to cooperate and would support their government if it came to war.
  4. The telegram had a major impact in Moscow, emphasizing the need to develop as much protection as possible.

Example: The mutual distrust evident in these telegrams led to increased military spending and the intensification of the arms race between the two superpowers.

The Iron Curtain Speech

In March 1946, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered a speech that defined US-Soviet relations and highlighted the Soviet threat to freedom and world peace.

Key points of the Iron Curtain speech:

  1. It was provoked by the establishment of new communist governments in Eastern Europe.
  2. Churchill cleared the speech with President Truman, indicating that it reflected American beliefs as well.
  3. The speech increased tension and mistrust between East and West.
  4. In response, the Soviet Union strengthened its forces and stepped up anti-Western propaganda.

Vocabulary: The term "Iron Curtain" became a metaphor for the ideological and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II until the end of the Cold War.

The Iron Curtain speech marked a turning point in US-Soviet relations, intensifying hostility and solidifying the division of Europe into two opposing blocs. This event, along with the diplomatic exchanges of The Long Telegram and The Novikov Telegram, set the stage for decades of Cold War tensions and the ongoing struggle between capitalist and communist ideologies.

Atomic bomb: ● 6th August 1945 - USA exploded atom bomb on Hiroshima 9th August - 2nd bomb over Nagasaki Hiroshima equivalent to 12,000 tons

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Atomic Bomb and Soviet Expansionism

The use of atomic bombs by the USA in August 1945 marked a pivotal moment in World War II and set the stage for the Cold War. On August 6th, the USA detonated an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, followed by a second bomb over Nagasaki on August 9th. These devastating attacks, equivalent to 12,000 tons of TNT, resulted in an estimated 120,000 Japanese civilian casualties.

Highlight: The atomic bombs not only aimed to defeat Japan without Soviet involvement but also served as a show of force to threaten the Soviet Union.

The USA's possession of atomic weapons placed it in a powerful position, offering protection to Western Europe. However, this development had unintended consequences:

  1. Stalin felt threatened by the USA's power but became more determined to secure the Soviet Union through buffer communist countries.
  2. Contrary to American hopes, the bomb did not persuade Stalin to allow more freedom in Eastern Europe. Instead, it intensified Cold War tensions and sparked an arms race.

Soviet Expansion Motivations

The Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe was driven by two primary objectives:

  1. Expanding communism
  2. Ensuring security against potential attacks

Definition: Soviet expansionism refers to the USSR's policy of extending its influence and control over Eastern European countries in the aftermath of World War II.

The Soviets implemented several strategies to achieve their expansionist goals:

  • Establishing communist governments in liberated countries, creating satellite states
  • Setting up coalition governments where power was shared
  • Taking control of civil service and media through communist parties
  • Arresting or forcing opposition leaders to flee
  • Conducting fixed elections to ensure communist victories

Vocabulary: Satellite states were countries nominally independent but under heavy political, economic, and military influence or control by the Soviet Union.

The Percentage Deal

Churchill proposed a "percentage deal" to divide control over various countries between the Soviet Union and other powers. For example:

  • Romania: 90% Soviet Union, 10% others
  • Greece: 90% Soviet Union, 10% others
  • Hungary: 50% Soviet Union, 50% others

This deal attempted to formalize spheres of influence in Eastern Europe.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user