Political Number of differences between Capitalist West and Communist East. However, these were papered over in fight against Hitler. Yet after ‘45 these differences became more apparent and led to outbreak of Cold War. Stalin wished to ensure strict conformity as his paranoia for treason was heightened with onset of Cold War. However, Stalin always doubted loyalty of Leningrad Party (where his political rival, Kirov, was assassinated in ‘34) and viewed city as “window to the West” – a place where foreign influences would enter USSR. Therefore, Stalin had 200 Party officials arrested and some shot in Leningrad affair to ensure strict conformity.

Social Stalin authorised campaign against “cosmopolitanism” which opposed anything Western such as jazz. The campaign also decided what could be read, seen in cinemas and on stage. Upsurge in Russian nationalism, eg. invention of the radio attributed to a Russian. Marriage to foreigners banned. German founder of Communism, Karl Marx, became an ‘honorary’ Russian.

Economic Stalin feared another foreign invasion during Cold War. Determined to rebuild economy following destruction of 31000 Soviet factories during War. Stalin also wished to fulfil USSR’s new superpower status. Between 1945-1950 almost 90% of industrial investment went into capital goods. Defence recieved most favoured treatment in allocation of resources, inc. Skilled labour. This ensured that they were able to test their 1st nuclear weapon by August 1949.

Eastern Europe

Stalin wished to exert dominance in Eastern Europe to have a “buffer zone” against another invasion and also help spread of Communist friendly states. This matter was discussed at the Yalta and Postdam Conferences. Communist regimes set up in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia. Also stripped assets from these Eastern European countries, esp. East Germany, to rebuild Soviet industry.

Comecon In response to USA’s Marshall Plan, which provided aid for countries damaged following the War, Stalin set up Comecon (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance) in 1949. This included USSR and most Eastern European Communist states. Designed to promote trade and industrial developments among Communist states, though terms were often favourable to USSR. This included Sofia principle, which made all technologies available among the Comecon states. This advantaged technologically lagging USSR, though disadvantaged East Germany and Czechoslovakia.

Debate However, Stalin’s policies were also influenced by his search for power and historians such as W.Hahn (1982) have argued that he was now having to compete for popularity with Red Army Commanders. This is why Georgi Zhukov was demoted and sent to Odessa Military District in 1946. Khrushchev claimed that Stalin had become afraid of assassination, therefore shifted officials from post to post, creating fear and uncertainty in opponents. This can also be seen in Leningrad Affair. Furthermore, Andrei Zhandov was said to have strongly influenced Stalin’s anti-cosmopolitanism policies following 1945.

To What extent did the developments of the Cold War after 1945 influence Stalin’s policies inside the USSR?