Why did Stalin believe that the Soviet Union deserved to dominate eastern Europe?
A) The Soviet Union had refrained from using nuclear weapons in Europe, and should be rewarded.
B) The Soviet Union had been promised control of eastern Europe at the Yalta conference.
C) The Soviet Union had sacrificed so many people in the war against fascism.
D) The Soviet Union had more money than did the United States to rebuild the devastated region after the war.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stalin believed that the Soviet Union deserved to dominate eastern Europe primarily because of the immense sacrifices the Soviet people had made in defeating fascism during World War II. The Soviet Union suffered the highest casualties of any country in the war, with estimates of total Soviet military and civilian deaths ranging from 20 to 27 million. This colossal sacrifice was seen as justification for a sphere of influence in eastern Europe, both as a buffer zone against future invasions and as a reward for their pivotal role in the victory over Nazi Germany.

Why Did Stalin Believe That the Soviet Union Deserved to Dominate