Cominform

Definition

Cominform, short for Communist Information Bureau, was established in 1947 as a means for the Soviet Union to coordinate and direct communist parties around the world. It served as a response to the growing influence of Western ideologies and was crucial in solidifying Soviet control over Eastern Europe during the early years of the Cold War. By promoting a unified communist front, Cominform sought to ensure that member parties adhered to Moscow's directives, thereby increasing the USSR's geopolitical power during this tense period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cominform was created in response to the Truman Doctrine, which aimed to contain the spread of communism globally.
2. The first Cominform conference took place in September 1947 in Poland, where representatives from various communist parties gathered to discuss strategy and policy.
3. Cominform played a significant role in consolidating Soviet control over Eastern Europe by aligning local communist parties with Soviet interests.
4. The organization published a journal called 'For a Lasting Peace, For a People’s Democracy!' which disseminated communist propaganda and facilitated communication among member parties.
5. Cominform was dissolved in 1956 following the rise of de-Stalinization and growing tensions within the communist bloc, particularly after Hungary's uprising.

Review Questions

• How did Cominform influence the strategies of communist parties across Europe during the early Cold War?
  • Cominform greatly influenced the strategies of various communist parties by providing them with directives and support from the Soviet Union. It facilitated coordination among these parties, ensuring they aligned their policies with Moscow's expectations. This unity allowed the Soviets to exert greater control over Eastern European nations, effectively promoting a common agenda that countered Western influence.
• Discuss the significance of Cominform's establishment in relation to the broader geopolitical tensions of the late 1940s.
  • The establishment of Cominform was significant as it marked an organized effort by the Soviet Union to counteract Western political ideologies, particularly following events like the Truman Doctrine. It reinforced the divide between East and West, solidifying Soviet influence over Eastern Europe while responding aggressively to perceived threats from capitalist nations. This created a more polarized world where diplomatic relations were severely strained.
• Evaluate the impact of Cominform on Eastern European countries' political landscape and its eventual dissolution on the communist movement.
  • Cominform's impact on Eastern European countries was profound, as it led to tighter control by the Soviet Union over local communist parties, fostering environments that suppressed dissent and promoted authoritarian rule. However, its dissolution in 1956 highlighted the growing fractures within the communist bloc, particularly as reform movements began to emerge. This shift indicated a weakening of Moscow's grip on these nations, paving the way for greater independence among them and foreshadowing future challenges for communism in Eastern Europe.

Related terms

Iron Curtain: A term coined by Winston Churchill to describe the division between Western democratic nations and Eastern communist countries after World War II.

Marshall Plan:

An American initiative enacted in 1948 to provide economic assistance to Western European countries to help them rebuild after World War II and resist communist influence.

Warsaw Pact:

A military alliance formed in 1955 among the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies as a counterbalance to NATO.