After World War 2, Stalin imposed rigid control over Eastern Europe, exporting his totalitarian policies and forcing obedience from Communist parties. While the Soviet Union recovered economically under Stalin's five-year plans focusing on heavy industry, Eastern Europe saw slow development. After Stalin's death in 1953, Khrushchev denounced Stalin's cult of personality and pursued de-Stalinization, improving living standards and allowing some freedoms. However, conservatives opposed the reforms as a threat to the Communist system. De-Stalinization also caused revolts in Eastern Europe in 1956, which the Soviet Union suppressed by force. Khrushchev was eventually ousted in 1964 due to his erratic foreign policy and the conservatives' desire to return to Stalinist control.

1. SOVIET EASTERN EUROPE Eastview High School – AP European History McKay et. al, 8 th ed. – Ch30 section 3