key term - Cominform

Definition

Cominform, short for Communist Information Bureau, was an organization established in 1947 to promote cooperation among communist parties across Europe and to coordinate their activities in opposition to Western influence during the early stages of the Cold War. It served as a platform for the Soviet Union to assert its dominance over Eastern European communist parties and align them with Moscow's policies, directly influencing political strategies and actions within member states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cominform was founded in response to the perceived threat of Western influence, especially following the establishment of NATO in 1949.
2. It aimed to unify various communist parties and strengthen their resolve against capitalism, primarily focusing on Europe but also having influence in other regions.
3. The first meeting of Cominform took place in Szklarska Poręba, Poland, where key communist leaders outlined their strategies for resistance against Western policies.
4. One of Cominform's significant actions was to condemn the Marshall Plan, portraying it as an imperialist attempt to undermine socialism in Europe.
5. The organization was dissolved in 1956 after Stalin's death and the subsequent shift in Soviet foreign policy under Nikita Khrushchev, which emphasized peaceful coexistence with the West.

Review Questions

• How did Cominform serve as a tool for the Soviet Union to exert influence over Eastern European communist parties?
  • Cominform acted as a means for the Soviet Union to coordinate and control communist parties across Eastern Europe. By providing guidance on party policies and decisions, the Soviet leadership ensured that these parties aligned closely with Moscow's goals. This unity was essential for countering Western influence during the early Cold War, as it helped maintain a cohesive front among socialist states that were often under different national contexts.
• What role did Cominform play in the broader context of the Cold War, especially in relation to NATO?
  • Cominform played a significant role in shaping the ideological and political landscape of the Cold War by promoting solidarity among communist parties against NATO. The establishment of NATO marked a clear division between Eastern and Western blocs, and Cominform was instrumental in rallying support for anti-Western sentiment among member parties. This helped solidify the divide that characterized international relations during this period.
• Evaluate the impact of Cominform's dissolution on Eastern European communist parties and their relationship with the Soviet Union.
  • The dissolution of Cominform in 1956 marked a significant shift in Eastern European politics, as it signaled a move away from strict Soviet control over local communist parties. This change allowed for greater autonomy among these parties, leading to varied responses to Soviet directives. The weakening of Cominform's influence opened doors for reform movements within these countries and ultimately contributed to the rise of dissent against Soviet authority, setting the stage for future uprisings and transformations in Eastern Europe.

Related terms

Soviet Union:

A socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, comprised of multiple republics and governed by the Communist Party, it was a central player in the Cold War.

Warsaw Pact:

A military alliance formed in 1955 between the Soviet Union and several Eastern Bloc countries as a response to NATO, solidifying military cooperation among member states.

NATO:

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance established in 1949 among Western nations to counter Soviet expansion and ensure mutual defense.