Poland

What is Poland?

Poland is a country in central Europe.

When did Poland become a satellite state?

Soviet control was established over Poland in 1947.

How did Poland become a satellite state?

Poland became a satellite state through 5 key events:

• ❖ Before the Second World War, Poland had a mostly agricultural economy and a traditional hatred of the USSR.
• ❖ During the Second World War, it was at first divided between Germany and the USSR, and then completely occupied by Germany.
• ❖ During the war it had two governments - one based in London and the other in the Polish town of Lublin.
• ❖ After it was liberated, Soviet troops remained and a new government was formed in June 1945 dominated by communist-sympathising 'Lublin' Poles.
• ❖ Opposition leaders were assassinated and imprisoned before a rigged vote in 1947 gave the communists 80% of the vote.