“Repression was the main reason for Soviet domination between 1945 and 1968.” Discuss with reference to two of the following countries: East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that repression was the main reason for Soviet domination between 1945 and 1968, considering two of the named countries. Candidates may support the statement discussing the hierarchical authority imposed by the Soviet Union; the mobilization of Soviet troops; the suppression of any possible dissent, such as the 1956 Revolution in Hungary and the Prague Spring in 1968. Candidates may challenge the statement by arguing that Soviet domination was based on different factors besides repression for example: economic bonds as evidenced by the establishment of COMECON; the Warsaw Pact; the support of part of the population; the role played by loyal local leaders, such as Gomulka from Poland and the diplomatic and economic relations between the Soviet Union and East Germany. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that repression was the main reason for Soviet domination between 1945 and 1968 with reference to two of the following countries: East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia. Some good responses were seen to this question with detailed knowledge and coherent arguments; this was especially the case for Hungary and Czechoslovakia.