Eastern Europe since 1945 [Paperback]

An established introductory textbook that provides students with an engaging overview of the complex developments in Eastern Europe from the end of the Second World War through to the present. Tracing the origins of the socialist experiment, de-Stalinisation, and the transition from socialism to capitalism, it explores the key events in each nations recent history.

This is an ideal core text for dedicated modules on Eastern European History or Europe since 1945 (including Central Europe and the Balkans) - or a supplementary text for broader modules on Modern European History or European Political History - which may be offered at all levels of an undergraduate History, Politics or European Studies degree. In addition it is a crucial resource for students who may be studying the recent history of Eastern ?Europe for the first time as part of a taught postgraduate degree in Modern European History, European Politics or European Studies.

This essential text provides an overview of the complex developments in Eastern Europe since 1945, tracing the origins of the socialist experiment, de-Stalinisation, and the transition from socialism to capitalism. This revised and updated edition offers an increased focus on social and cultural history, showing how people experienced life under socialism and the rebirth of capitalism.

List of Tables.- Chronology .- Map.- Introduction.- Revolution in Eastern Europe.- Different Roads to Socialism.- An End to Diversity.- 1956: Communism Renewed?.- Actually Existing Socialism in Operation.- Reform Communism or Economic Reform.- Neo-Stalinism Triumphant.- The Fall of Actually Existing Socialism.- Adapting to Capitalism Enthusiastically: Central Europe .- Adapting to Capitalism Hesitantly: The Balkans.- Conclusion.- Notes .- Suggested Reading.- Index

Geoffrey Swain is Alec Nove Chair in Russian and East European Studies at the University oflt