Final answer:
The Soviet Union established communist governments in Eastern Europe post-WWII to create a buffer zone against the West, encouraged communist ideology, and used military force to maintain control, particularly when faced with resistance in satellite nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
How the Soviet Union Attempted to Hold On to Satellite States in Eastern Europe
After World War II, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union endeavored to establish communist states in Eastern Europe. These actions were aimed at creating a buffer zone to protect against potential attacks from the West and to rebuild the region in a way that aligned with Soviet interests. Despite promises of democratic elections, by 1949, the Soviets had set up one-party communist governments in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, which mirrored the Soviet Union's own system. These satellite nations were expected to conform to Soviet ideals and policies.
The Soviets also promulgated the Molotov Plan, aimed at aiding the economic recovery in Eastern Europe, countering the American-influenced Marshall Plan. The repair and rebuilding of economic and social structures in these countries were heavily influenced by the Soviets, who encouraged communist revolution and maintained close ties with communist parties globally. Furthermore, the USSR took severe measures against dissent, as seen in the crushing of revolts in Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, to maintain its grip over these territories.
Stalin's policies, including the extraction of resources to finance the Red Army and backing of communist parties, had significant impacts on the political and economic climate of the satellite states. Additionally, the tension over Poland underscored the difference in goals between the United States and the Soviet Union during the early Cold War period. If countries veered too far from Soviet control or showed signs of independence, as in the case of the Baltic states, the Soviet Union was quick to act to reassert control.