Cominform

Definition

Cominform, or the Communist Information Bureau, was established in 1947 as an organization of communist parties from various countries to coordinate their activities and promote Soviet policies. It was a response to the growing influence of the West, particularly after the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, which aimed to contain communism and support countries resisting Soviet pressure. Cominform played a crucial role in solidifying Soviet control over Eastern Europe during the early Cold War period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cominform was founded on September 22, 1947, in response to the perceived threat from Western nations and their efforts to contain communism.
2. It served as a platform for promoting Soviet policies and ensuring that communist parties across Europe remained aligned with Moscow's directives.
3. The organization played a significant role in consolidating Stalin's control over Eastern Europe, especially influencing nations like Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.
4. Cominform was disbanded in 1956 during a period of de-Stalinization under Nikita Khrushchev, reflecting shifts in Soviet policies and approaches toward communist governance.
5. The establishment of Cominform marked an increase in ideological polarization during the Cold War, further entrenching divisions between the East and West.

Review Questions

• How did Cominform reflect the tensions between Eastern and Western ideologies after World War II?
  • Cominform was a direct response to the ideological divide that emerged after World War II, particularly as Western powers implemented the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan. It aimed to strengthen cooperation among communist parties and promote Soviet influence across Europe. This move highlighted the growing polarization between capitalist Western nations and communist Eastern countries, which escalated tensions that characterized the early Cold War.
• Analyze how Cominform influenced the political landscape of Eastern Europe during its existence.
  • Cominform significantly shaped the political landscape of Eastern Europe by ensuring that local communist parties aligned with Soviet policies and directives. It facilitated coordination among these parties, which helped Stalin maintain control over countries like Poland and Hungary. The organization's influence allowed for a unified approach to governance within the Eastern Bloc, suppressing dissent and promoting communist ideology across member states.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Cominform's disbandment on the communist movement in Europe.
  • The disbandment of Cominform in 1956 marked a pivotal shift in the communist movement in Europe. It indicated a move away from strict adherence to Stalinist policies and opened up space for more diverse interpretations of communism within different countries. This change contributed to varying degrees of reform within Eastern Bloc nations and laid the groundwork for later movements toward independence from Soviet control, ultimately influencing the political transformations that would occur in Europe towards the end of the Cold War.

Related terms

Truman Doctrine:

A U.S. policy introduced in 1947 to provide political, military, and economic assistance to countries threatened by communism.

Marshall Plan:

A U.S. initiative launched in 1948 providing aid to Western Europe for rebuilding economies after World War II to prevent the spread of communism.

Eastern Bloc: The group of socialist states under the influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, primarily in Eastern Europe.