This book, first published in 1983, goes beyond the ‘black and white’ literature of many East–West observers to offer a more nuanced assessment of the achievements of the Eastern bloc countries of the early 1980s. It covers the emergence of ‘Eastern Europe’ from revolution and war, the politics and economics of the new countries and their relationships with the West.
1. The Emergence of the New Eastern Europe (1943–7) 2. Planned Economy and Cold War (1948–53) 3. Confrontation and Consolidation (1954–9) 4. The Hungarian People’s Republic: Liberal Socialism? 5. The German Democratic Republic: Economic Miracle? 6. Romania: Mediator Between East and West? 7. Czechoslovakia 1968: A Reappraisal 8. The Polish People’s Republic: Catholics and Cultivators 9. Yugoslavia: Communist League and Workers’ Councils 10. Towards a Consumer Society 11. Convergence or Divergence 12. Recreation and Entertainment
Biography
Jürgen Tampke
