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Detailed Timeline of
European History
Post-War Status for Each
Country (1945 - 1989)
Cold War in
Europe, Rise and Fall of USSR (Soviet Union)
Go to European
History Interactive Map
Post-War/Cold-War Interactive Map
Post-World War Era
(1945 - 1989)
Austria
Economy: Allied occupation (USA, UK, FR, USSR) until 1955,
inhibited economic growth. Upon end of occupation in 1955, the economy
soared.
Government: Democratic Republic
Foreign Policy: Neutrality
Belarus
Economy: Tied directly into Russia's economy, as part of the
Soviet Union.
Government: Communist (a republic of the Soviet Union)
Foreign Policy: Controlled by Soviet Union
Belgium
Economy: Similar trend to other N.W. Europe nations. Strong
growth in 50s and 60s. Recession in 70s due to drastically increasing
oil prices, then continued growth in 80s and 90s.
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Foreign Policy: Joined NATO
Bulgaria
Economy: Communist
Government: Communism
Foreign Policy: Client state of USSR
Czechoslovakia
Economy: Communist. Rapid post-war industrialization.
Productivity far greater in Czech lands than Slovakia region for first
few decades after WWII, but by 70s, Slovakia had caught up.
Government: Communist
Foreign Policy: Client state of USSR
Denmark
Economy: Typical of NW Europe (strong growth until 70s, slump due
to oil crisis of 70s, recovery during 80s)
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Foreign Policy: Joined NATO
Estonia
Economy: Communist – Collectivism – Massive industrialization
during Soviet era, but largely designed to serve Soviets, rather than to
specifically benefit Estonians.
Government: Communist (a republic of the Soviet Union)
Foreign Policy: Controlled by Soviet Union
Finland
Economy: Capitalistic economy, unlike any other European nation
bordering USSR. Similar trend to other Northern European nations, but
not as prosperous. Welfare state like Sweden.
Government: Democratic Republic
Foreign Policy: Neutral, joined Nordic Counsel for closer
cooperation with Scandinavian countries.
France
Economy: Grew strongly from 1945 to 1975 (known as “Thirty
Glorious Years”), but hit a downturn in late 70s like much of the rest
of Europe, due to skyrocketing oil prices. Did not rebound as well as
other European nations after the downturn.
Government: Democratic Republic. Fourth Republic collapsed, and
gave way to Fifth Republic in 1958, triggered by the Algerian War, which
divided the country. The Fifth Republic created a stronger presidency,
to enable reforms, rather than chaos that resulted from standstills in
the Fourth Republic.
Foreign Policy: Initially part of NATO, but withdrew after the
Suez Crisis, a major political defeat for France. Therefore, remained
officially neutral in the Cold War, but in reality was more aligned with
the West (UK & USA). Made the transition from colonial power, with
intentions of remaining such, to rapid decolonization after the 1958
Algerian crisis and 1956 Suez Crisis, as the colonial empire proved to
be more trouble than it was worth.
Germany
Economy: West Germany – social market economy. A blend of
capitalism and socialism, which meant a free market economy without
state intervention, yet providing for minimum levels of services/income
for citizens (quasi-welfare state). Immediately after the war, Germans
lived at near starvation levels, as Allies carried out a policy of
de-industrialization for Germany, to punish them for WWII and
atrocities, and to diminish them as a threat. 1950s (Economic Miracle) -
After punitive sanctions were lifted in 1951 (limiting economic
activity, industrial production limits, etc.), West Germany’s economy
achieved explosive growth, far exceeding levels achieved at its height
during the Nazi era. Growth slowed in the 60s, and hit a downturn in the
70s, typical of much of Europe, due to a steep increase in oil prices.
The economy struggled into the late 80s before climbing again. During
the early 50s, the East German economy was much worse than West, since
Russians were more punitive in their policies, even confiscating
machinery to be shipped to USSR for war reparation payments. This caused
a large emigration of East Germans into West Germany within the first 10
years after the war, including a large number of skilled workers,
worsening the economic differential. This would result in the closing of
the border between Russia-occupied East Germany and Allied-occupied West
Germany. East Germany’s economy would begin to prosper in the 50s, but
never to extent of West Germany's.
Government: West – Democratic Republic; East – Communist State
Foreign Policy: West – Joined U.S.-led NATO, East – Joined
Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. West – until 1970, asserted that East Germany
was an illegal state, and severed diplomatic ties. Refused to engage in
diplomatic relations with any nation that recognized E Germany. After
1970 treaties, relations were normalized.
Greece
Economy: Turbulent until
military authoritarian regime took power, during which it would
stabilize (low unemployment, strong growth).
Government: Civil war between communists and anti-communists
ended in anti-communist victory in 1949. A constitutional monarchy
remained in place until the military junta overthrew the
democratically-elected government in a 1967 coup d’ etat. The
authoritarian military regime collapsed in 1975, replaced with a
democratic republic.
Foreign Policy: Joined NATO. Remained anti-communist.
Hungary
Economy: Communist – although
Hungarians became resistant to Soviet control. Began to implement more
free-market policies by the 1960s, enabling a smooth transition to
democracy/capitalism upon the collapse of the USSR in 1989-90.
Government: Communist
Foreign Policy: Influenced by USSR, although strong, anti-Soviet
sentiment throughout nation.
Ireland
Economy: The partition with the
UK was economically damaging. Lost productive areas in the north to the
UK. Ireland was not very industrialized otherwise, and could no longer
lean on the industrialized capability of Britain. Ireland came into
economic conflict with UK, resulting in an economic war (tariffs placed
on each other’s goods), which was far more injurious to Ireland than the
UK. Ireland would rebound during the 60s, but would be set back again by
the “Troubles” (violence in the north over the territories taken by the
UK), and the global economic troubles during the 80s.
Government: Republic (democracy) Religion: Vast majority Roman
Catholic Demographics: Stagnant due to economic troubles, high
unemployment, therefore large emigration to the U.S. in particular,
along with several other nations.
Foreign Policy: Neutral (especially in regards to Cold War), but
some distrust of the UK, including economic war with UK in years
following WWII.
Italy
Economy: Tremendous economic
growth in 50s and 60s, with a major emphasis on manufacturing. Also
experienced a downturn in 70s due to oil crisis, but rebounded nicely.
Government: Democratic Republic.
Foreign Policy: Joined NATO
Latvia
Economy: Communist – Collectivism – Massive industrialization
during Soviet era, but largely designed to serve Soviets, rather than to
specifically benefit Latvians.
Government: Communist (a republic of the Soviet Union)
Foreign Policy: Controlled by Soviet Union
Lithuania
Economy: Communist –
Collectivism – Massive industrialization during Soviet era, but largely
designed to serve Soviets, rather than to specifically benefit
Lithuanians.
Government: Communist (a republic of the Soviet Union)
Foreign Policy: Controlled by Soviet Union
Luxembourg
Economy: Similar trend to other
N.W. Europe nations. Strong growth in 50s and 60s. Recession in 70s due
to drastically increasing oil prices, then continued growth in 80s and
90s.
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Foreign Policy: Joined NATO
Moldova
Economy: Communist
Government: Communism
Foreign Policy: Client state of USSR
Netherlands
Economy: Recovered very well after WWII, in part due to the help
of the Marshall Plan. Followed general trends of Western Europe (strong
growth fueled by strong industrialization, followed by complications due
to rapidly increasing oil costs in the 1970s, having a strong effect on
nations depending on industrialization, but steady recovery since).
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Foreign Policy: Abandoned neutrality by joining NATO. Lost last
piece of colonial empire – Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). Unsuccessful
attempt to gain territories from Germany as further war reparations (not
approved by USA/UK).
Norway
Economy: Similar trend to NW
Europe (rally in 50s and 60s, slump in 70s due to increasing oil prices,
recovery in late 70s), but outperformed most other nations, thanks in
large part due to discovery of large oil reservoirs off its coast.
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Foreign Policy: Joined NATO
Poland
Economy: Soviet collectivism sparked revolts and protests. This
turmoil held back the economy, which struggled while under Soviet
oversight, which ended in 1989.
Government: Communist
Foreign Policy: Aligned with USSR, although frequently defied
Soviet rule.
Portugal
Economy: Dictator Salazar moves toward greater economic
integration with other European powers, which had a positive effect.
Economy corporative, (state planned), where state would establish
acceptable wages, prices, inventory levels, etc. Forced to lift such
controlling devices in 1968, in order to join the European Community
(Predecessor to EU), which had a positive impact. But chaos during 1974
revolution would harm the economy, resulting in economic contraction
(companies nationalized again), while other European nations were
largely still in a growth pattern.
Government: Dictatorship (authoritarian) until Carnation
Revolution in 1974, with the overthrow of the dictatorship (a few years
after Salazar had died, as the public did not support his successors).
Replaced with democratic Republic. Religion: Vast majority Roman
Catholic, although church activity would decline steadily.
Foreign Policy: Largely isolated during the dictatorship,
especially in light of armed action carried out against its colonies, as
Portugal fought in an attempt to maintain overseas empire. With
democratic government, anti-colonial sentiment prevailed among
Portuguese public, resulting in independence being granted to most of
its colonies.
Romania
Economy: Communist
Government: Communism
Foreign Policy: Client state of USSR
Spain
Economy: Badly harmed after WWII from sanctions levied by
Allies/NATO, due to their friendship towards Nazi Germany. Also suffered
from Civil War ending in 1939, resulting in economic depression.
Attempts to become economically self-sufficient (i.e. living without
international trade) failed spectacularly. The embargoes were lifted in
1953, triggering an economic recovery. Spain went on to experience
explosive growth after being reconnected with the global economy, and
implementing some free-market reforms. As was the case with most of
Europe, Spain suffered an economic downturn in the late 70s and early
80s, due to rapidly increasing oil prices. But it would recover
strongly.
Government: Authoritarian dictatorship until Franco’s death in
1975, when it became a constitutional monarchy. As was the case with
Portugal, when its larger-than-life dictator died, the mass public would
no longer tolerate such a regime centered around hopeful successors. The
public instead demanded democratic rule.
Religion: Vast majority were Roman Catholic. As was case with
rest of Europe, religious activity waned sharply in post-War era, but
due to strong Catholic tradition, Spain did not experience as much of a
decline in religiosity as other European nations. Immigration of Latin
Americans during this period also bolstered the Catholic Church in
Spain.
Foreign Policy: Neutral during Cold War. Lost remaining African
colonies.
Sweden
Economy: Similar trend to NW Europe, greater prosperity than what
was typical in the 50s and 60s, in large part due to neutrality and
non-involvement in WWII. Developed into a welfare state (guaranteed
minimum standards of living), but experienced a harder fall than most
West European nations with below average performance in 70s and 80s.
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Foreign Policy: Neutral
Switzerland
Economy: Undamaged from WWII, placing them ahead of the game
after the war ended. Has remained strong ever since, by featuring some
of the most innovative and efficient businesses in the world, since
Switzerland is lacking in natural resources that can be easily profited
upon.
Government: Federal State (democracy)
Foreign Policy: Neutral
Turkey
Economy: Instable due to
frequent internal strife, and multiple government overthrows.
Government: Democratic Republic
Foreign Policy: Aligned with U.S./the west in Cold War, joined
NATO.
United Kingdom
Economy: Experienced some
difficulty after WWII. Damaged by the war, lost most of its overseas
empire, and therefore its ability to impose trade policies favorable to
UK companies throughout the world. Forced by the U.S. to make British
Pound Sterling directly convertible to the U.S. Dollar, giving the U.S.
and others direct access to British colonies, and former colonies. The
UK Economy continued to stagnate during the 60s and 70s, as France and
Germany grew at a much faster rate. However, the massive UK economy
remained larger overall, as it was still built upon the strength from
centuries as the dominant colonial power, and many years as the
industrialized leader. Now, it was becoming more of a service economy,
as other nations are able to manufacture at a lower cost. The UK
struggled to adapt in finding its niche in this new world where it was
no longer dominant. The UK economy turned around in the 1980s, as
Margaret Thatcher took on trade unions, which had previously been able
to hold the economy hostage. Nationalized companies were also
privatized, such as utilities. The worldwide economic boom also uplifted
the UK. During this time, the UK was transformed into a welfare state
(guaranteed minimum living standards, such as income, health benefits,
etc.) that is still in place today.
Government: Constitutional monarchy (democracy)
Religion: After WWII, there was a substantial increase in
immigration of people of non Judeo-Christian religions, especially
Muslims and Hindus. This resulted in an increase of religious diversity
and tolerance. Secularism has steadily risen, as church attendance,
belief in God (primarily in Christian churches) has steadily declined.
Demographics: Experienced a baby boom right after the war (50s)
followed by decrease in births during 60s, 70s, a trend which has
continued. There was also a major increase in ethnic diversity due to
immigration from former British colonies, such as India and Pakistan.
Significant increase in Muslims and Hindus.
Foreign Policy: Lock and step with the U.S. in opposing the
Soviet communist threat as part of the Cold War. Generally granted
independence to all colonial possessions that desired sovereignty.
Ukraine
Economy: Tied directly into
Russia's economy, as part of the Soviet Union.
Government: Communist (a republic of the Soviet Union)
Foreign Policy: Controlled by Soviet Union
Russia/Soviet Union
Economy: As was the case in Europe and Japan, USSR/Russian
economies enjoyed explosive growth in 50s and 60s, rivaling or
surpassing that of western nations. Stagnation during 70s and 80s, as
massive size of economy was no longer manageable for economic planners,
who refused to give more autonomy to mid-level managers. Contributed to
collapse of the USSR.
Government: Communist
Foreign Policy: Cold War; Warsaw Pact; Adamant about maintaining
control in its own neighborhood, resulting in military involvement in
Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Afghanistan, etc., and proxy support in Vietnam
and Korea. Direct military involvement largely backfired, while proxy
support proved more successful.
Yugoslavia
Economy: Communist – Refused to
link with Soviet economy shortly after WWII, becoming a Market Socialism
economy, communism with free market elements. Economically open to
non-communist world. Enjoyed strong economic performance throughout most
of its existence.
Government: Communist
Foreign Policy: Neutral, although communist
Next:
Recent History (1989 - 2008)
Previous:
Post-World War Era (1945 - 1989)
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History Interactive Map
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