Soviet influence in Eastern Europe

After World War II, the Soviet Union expanded its influence into Eastern Europe, establishing communist governments aligned with Moscow. This was part of its strategy to create a buffer zone against the West and spread communist ideology. Countries like Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany experienced political, economic, and military control by the USSR. The Soviets also maintained a significant military presence, limited political dissent, and promoted communist policies. This influence lasted until the late 1980s, when political reforms and protests led to the fall of communist regimes, reshaping the region’s political landscape.