Soviet influence over Eastern Europe by 1948
I can explain how the USSR established satellite states to take control of eastern Europe between 1945 and 1948.
Soviet influence over Eastern Europe by 1948
I can explain how the USSR established satellite states to take control of eastern Europe between 1945 and 1948.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Stalin agreed to free elections in Eastern Europe at Yalta but had no intention of allowing this.
- Stalin believed Soviet control of Eastern Europe was essential to protect the USSR from any future invasion.
- From 1945 to 1948, the USSR used similar methods to turn most Eastern European countries into Soviet satellite states.
- The USSR's establishment of satellite states in Eastern Europe significantly increased Cold War tension.
- Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech in 1946 was a response to Soviet expansion into Eastern Europe.
Keywords
Sphere of influence - a region of the world in which one country is dominant
Buffer zone - an area that provides protection
Satellite state - a country that is dominated by another country
Coalition government - a government in which two or more political parties work together to run a country
Rigged election - an election in which unfair tactics or cheating are used to influence the outcome
Common misconception
Students may believe that the Iron Curtain was a real barrier (often mixing it up with the Berlin Wall).
The Iron Curtain was not a real barrier but metaphor for the divide imposed between East and West by the USSR, first referred to in a speech by Churchill.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Soviet influence over Eastern Europe by 1948, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Soviet influence over Eastern Europe by 1948, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required