Discuss the political and economic measures undertaken by the Soviet Union to dominate central and eastern Europe between 1945 and 1955.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of how the Soviet Union took control of central and eastern Europe following the Second World War, up to 1955. While there does not need to be equal coverage of political and economic factors, both must be addressed. The political factors to be considered may include the methods by which governments were installed and how trade relations developed. Related issues may include the extent to which national parties were controlled by Moscow, the Soviet response to any sign of independence and the establishment of COMINFORM. Economic issues may encompass the impact of COMECON and the way industry in the satellite states was linked to the economic needs of the Soviet Union. The impact of the signing of the Warsaw Pact may also be considered.