Introduction: The Rise and Fall of the Communist Bloc

Abstract

In 1945, as Soviet tanks rolled westward, the countries between the Baltic and the Adriatic started on their third transformation this century. The first had taken place in the early decades, as nationalism and war broke down empires and created new, unstable states. The second was carried out in the inter-war years, as authoritarian regimes replaced constitutional republics. And in 1945, after yet another round with European war, the Communist parties would have their chance at remaking the political map of Eastern Europe.