EASTERN EUROPE UNDER COMMUNISM Chapter 6, Section 1

Soviet Culture The Soviet space program of the 1950s and 1960s brought international attention to the country. Daily life for the citizens of the Soviet Union and the Eastern European countries was difficult. Most people were very poor and had no say in the government.

Creating a National Identity The government was afraid that some ethnic groups might want to break away from the Soviet Union. Leaders wanted to create a strong national identity. The government distributed propaganda—pamphlets, posters, artwork statues, songs, and film—to praise the Soviet Union, its leaders, and Communism.

Soviet Control of Daily Life Outlawed many cultural celebrations. Killed thousands of religious leaders and destroyed churches. Ethic groups could not speak their native languages or celebrate some holidays. Government controlled newspapers, books, and radio so people could not learn about other nations.

Literature and the Arts The works of many writers, poets, and other artists were banned or censored. Artists were required to join government-run unions. Unions told artists what kinds of works they could create. Artists who disobeyed were punished, imprisoned, or even killed.

Sports Became a strong competitor in the Olympics and in other international sports competitions. Supported its top athletes and provided for all their basic needs. Hired and paid for coaches and all training. Hockey players and gymnasts were among best in the world.

The Soviet Economy Soviet leaders ran the economy. After World War II, the Communist parties installed governments in Eastern European countries. They promised to improve industry and bring wealth to these countries. This did not happen!

Government Control Communists did not support private property rights. Individuals could not own land or an industry. Everything was owned by the government. Government took over factories, railroads, and businesses.

Government Control (Cont’d) The government decided: What to produce. How to produce it. Who would get what was produced. The needs of individuals and the republics were not considered. Communist countries of Eastern Europe often could not meet the basic needs of their citizens.

Attempts at Change Beginning in the 1950’s, Eastern Europeans began to demand more goods and better quality. They also wanted changes in the government. In 1956, both Hungary and Poland tried to free their governments and economies from Soviet control. The Communist army put an end to the attempts.

Nikita Khrushchev Ruled from 1958 to 1964. Writers and other citizens had greater freedom. Visited the United States in 1959. The “thaw” in the Cold War did not last. Removed from power in 1964 when the economy grew weaker.

The Prague Spring In January, 1968, in Czechoslovakia, Alexander Dubcek became the First Secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party. He tried to lessen the Soviet’s control, which led to a period of improvement called the Prague Spring. Czech citizens had more freedoms and could interact more with Western Europe. In August, 1968, Soviet troops forced a return to strict Soviet control. Dubcek was replaced, and Soviets were in charge again.

Detente Détente—Period of lessening tension between NATO and the Warsaw Pact nations. Members of NATO were concerned about starting a war with the Soviet Union. NATO couldn’t stop the Soviet control of Eastern Europe. In the 1970s, the Soviets and the United States started having more contact.

Economic Crisis By the 1980s, economic conditions in the Soviet Union and the countries under its control still had not improved. Most of the Soviet’s money was spent on the military and nuclear warfare. People living in countries under Soviet control wanted more say in their lives. Citizens began to reject the Soviet economic system. Leaders refused to give up control.

Questions?