Illustration
This map illustrates the realities in Europe after the Second World War (1939-45), as the continent was divided between the Western bloc, backed by the United States, and the Eastern bloc, controlled by the Soviet Union.
To rebuild Western Europe and prevent communist influence, the Marshall Plan (1948-1952) provided billions in aid, leading to economic recovery and deeper cooperation. This resulted in the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 (which later evolved into the European Union), while non-EEC nations formed the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) in 1960. In response, the Soviet Union established COMECON (1949-1991) to coordinate Eastern Bloc economies.
Militarily, the Cold War solidified Europe's division with the formation of NATO (1949) as a Western defense alliance and the Warsaw Pact (1955-1991) as the Soviet counterpart. This division remained in place until 1989, when communist regimes across Eastern Europe collapsed, paving the way for European reunification and integration.
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Cite This Work
APA Style
Netchev, S. (2025, March 05). Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989). World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20145/europe-after-world-war-ii-1945-to-c-1989/
Chicago Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989)." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 05, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20145/europe-after-world-war-ii-1945-to-c-1989/.
MLA Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989)." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 05 Mar 2025. Web. 05 Mar 2025.
