Answer:
World war II
Explanation:
During World War II, the Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin, emerged as one of the victorious powers. As the war came to an end, the Soviet Union occupied several Eastern European countries that had been under Nazi control, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
The main reason for the expansion of Communism in Eastern Europe was the Soviet Union's desire to establish a buffer zone of friendly states as a defense against potential future invasions. The Soviet Union aimed to exert political and military influence over these countries to ensure their loyalty and prevent any potential threats to its security.
Under Soviet control, these Eastern European countries underwent a process known as "Sovietization," which involved the establishment of Communist regimes and the imposition of Soviet-style political, economic, and social systems. This included the nationalization of industries, collectivization of agriculture, suppression of political opposition, and the establishment of one-party Communist rule.
The expansion of Communism in Eastern Europe was also facilitated by the presence of Soviet military forces and political influence. The Soviet Union used its military presence and control over the governments of these countries to suppress any opposition and ensure compliance with its Communist ideology.
In summary, the expansion of Communism into Eastern Europe was a direct result of World War II and the Soviet Union's occupation and control of these countries as a strategic move to establish a buffer zone and extend its influence over the region.
