Support and Cooperation, Repression and Protest (1945–1968)East Germany (GDR)Many Germans initially accepted Soviet influence because it promised stability after WWII’s devastation.The Socialist Unity Party (SED) was formed in 1946, merging communists and social democrats (under pressure from the Soviets).Industrial nationalization and land reforms aimed to rebuild the economy.Repression & ProtestIn June 1953, workers protested against poor living standards and increased work quotas.The protests spread across East Germany but were crushed by Soviet tanks and East German police.The regime increased Stasi surveillance and restricted freedoms to prevent future uprisings.PolandPost-war communist government rebuilt industry and redistributed land to peasants.Poland maintained strong Catholic traditions, which clashed with communist ideology Repression & Protest1956 Poznań Protests: Workers demanded better wages and political freedoms.Władysław Gomułka returned to power, promising reforms. Some freedoms were restored, but communism remained firmly in place.1956 Hungarian UprisingHungarySupport & CooperationAfter WWII, communists gained power with Soviet support. Land reforms and industrial growth initially pleased some citizens.Repression & Protest1956 Hungarian UprisingTriggered by demands for political freedomWithdrawal from the Warsaw Pact, and The return of Imre Nagy.Soviet troops invaded, killing thousands and forcing Nagy’s removal.János Kádár was installed as leader, restoring Soviet control.Exam techniqueCompare Hungary’s violent repression with Czechoslovakia’s later experience in 1968.CzechoslovakiaSupport & CooperationAfter 1948, a communist coup installed a pro-Soviet government, nationalizing industries and aligning policies with Moscow.Many initially supported it for stability and reconstruction.Repression & ProtestBy the mid-1960s, economic stagnation and political restrictions caused discontent.1968 Prague Spring: Alexander Dubček introduced reforms (more freedoms, end of censorship, economic decentralization)Soviet-led Warsaw Pact forces invaded in August 1968, ending reforms and reaffirming Soviet dominance.HistoriographyOrthodox view: Eastern Europe was dominated by unwilling states under Soviet oppression.Revisionist view: Some citizens supported communism for stability and modernization.Post-revisionist view: Both cooperation and repression existed, often at the same time.Common MistakeTreating all protests the same ignores different causes and outcomes. Note economic vs. political motivesDo not focus only on the USSR. Mention role of local leaders (Gomułka, Nagy, Dubček)TipOrganize your notes by country but also make a timeline to see regional patterns.Prepare one detailed case study per country (e.g., 1953 uprising for East Germany, Poznań for Poland, Hungarian Uprising, Prague Spring).Cooperation and Protest in Eastern Europe (1945–1968)