Cominform, 1947 & Comecon, 1949 (AQA GCSE History) : Revision Note
How did the Soviet Union combat the Truman Doctrine & the Marshall Plan? - Summary
The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan angered the Soviet Union. Stalin believed that the USA had deliberately split Europe in two and that it was clear the USA was trying to spread capitalism. Stalin created two new organisations to maintain greater control over the communist countries of Eastern Europe. In 1947, Cominform was established to ensure that members retained their communist governments and removed any opposition. Members were also discouraged from communicating with Western countries. In 1949, Comecon was Stalin’s attempt at deterring countries away from Marshall Aid. Members were encouraged to trade with each other and introduce communist policies like the collectivisation of land and the nationalisation of industries. |
What was Cominform?
Stalin was concerned about the threat to communism caused by the Marshall Plan
Cominform was set up on 22nd September 1947 in response to the Marshall Plan
It allowed Stalin to direct and control the governments of the satellite states as well as the communist parties of other countries in Europe
Yugoslavia was removed from Cominform in 1948 after growing tensions with the Soviet Union
Aims and membership of Cominform
What was Comecon?
Stalin did not allow communist states to accept Marshall Aid
However, it was clear these states needed financial aid to ensure they remained communist
Comecon was set up on 25th January 1949 in response to the Marshall Plan
It allowed Stalin to provide an alternative to the Marshall Plan and improve the economies of the satellite states
Bulgaria’s trade with other Comecon members increased from 10% in 1931 to 90% by 1951
In line with communist beliefs, each member nationalised their industries and collectivised their agriculture
Aims and membership of Comecon
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Students often mix up Comecon and Cominform because they sound similar. To help with this, remember that Comecon has 'econ' in the word. This should remind you that Comecon focused on the economy.
The USA’s response to Cominform and Comecon
Stalin created Cominform and Comecon in response to the Marshall Plan
This increased the tension between the Capitalist West and Communist East because each country had accepted support from either the USA or the Soviet Union
How did Marshall Aid, Cominform and Comecon increase US-Soviet tensions?
In 1949, a new military alliance called the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was created by the USA, partly in response to Cominform and Comecon
Examiner Tips and Tricks
An exam question could ask you how far you agree that Cominform and Comecon were the main reasons why relations between East and West worsened between 1947 and 1949.
Good judgements for this style of question will:
explain which reason is the most important
consider other reasons
be sustained throughout your answer
try to explore the relationships between causes/ changes/ factors/ consequences that you have presented in your argument
For further guidance on this question, you can read this revision note on how to answer the 16-mark “How far do you agree” question.
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