Sovietization

Sovietization refers to the process of adopting Soviet policies and practices, particularly in the context of the Soviet Union's influence over Eastern Bloc countries after World War II. This social process involved imposing one-party socialist governmental systems modeled on the Soviet Union, with communist elites sanctioned by Moscow.1

During the Stalin era, Sovietization also involved promoting Russian nationalism and language, while simultaneously industrializing the nation and collectivizing agriculture. This collectivization policy, pursued intensely between 1929 and 1933, forced peasants onto collective farms and aimed to reduce the economic power of prosperous peasants. Education and culture in countries like China were also heavily influenced by the Soviet model, with Russian replacing English as the primary foreign language. This imposition of Soviet law and practices extended to Eastern and Central European countries, as well as communist regimes in Asia and Latin America.23456