🌍ap world history: modern review

key term - Soviet Union and its allies

Definition

The Soviet Union and its allies refer to the bloc of countries aligned with the USSR during the Cold War, characterized by a communist political system and economic model. This alliance included Eastern European nations such as Poland, East Germany, and Hungary, all of which were influenced by Soviet ideology and often came under its direct control or influence. The cohesion among these states was rooted in their collective opposition to Western capitalism and the promotion of socialist principles, leading to the spread of communism across various regions after 1900.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Soviet Union was officially established in 1922 after the Russian Revolution, becoming a major global power that promoted communist ideologies.
  2. The Soviet Bloc included countries in Eastern Europe that were politically aligned with Moscow, resulting in the establishment of satellite states under communist regimes.
  3. The ideological conflict between the Soviet Union and Western powers led to the formation of various international organizations aimed at promoting socialist ideals.
  4. The period following World War II saw rapid expansion of communism in Asia, Africa, and Latin America as revolutionary movements were inspired by Soviet support.
  5. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the decline of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Review Questions

  • How did the establishment of the Soviet Union influence the political landscape of Eastern Europe after 1900?
    • The establishment of the Soviet Union significantly reshaped the political landscape of Eastern Europe by fostering the spread of communism across the region. Many countries became satellite states under Soviet influence, adopting communist governments that aligned with Moscow's ideology. This led to a political environment where democratic movements were suppressed, and dissent was often met with harsh repression, solidifying a divide between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War.
  • Discuss how the Warsaw Pact served as a response to NATO and its implications for international relations during the Cold War.
    • The Warsaw Pact was formed in 1955 as a direct response to NATO, which represented Western capitalist powers. By creating a unified military command among Eastern Bloc countries, it strengthened the Soviet Union's control over its allies while simultaneously escalating tensions with NATO. This military alliance not only solidified the division between East and West but also intensified the arms race as both blocs sought to demonstrate their military superiority, impacting international relations for decades.
  • Evaluate the impact of decolonization on the spread of communism and how it altered alliances within the context of the Soviet Union and its allies.
    • Decolonization significantly impacted the spread of communism as newly independent nations often faced internal struggles regarding governance and ideology. Many turned to the Soviet Union for support in establishing socialist governments, viewing it as a counterbalance to Western imperialism. This shift altered alliances globally, as countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America began to align with communist ideals, further expanding Soviet influence. The resulting geopolitical landscape highlighted the competition between superpowers for dominance over newly liberated nations, reshaping international relations during the Cold War era.