---
title: Map of Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989)
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20145/map-of-europe-after-world-war-ii-1945-to-c-1989/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-02-25
---
# Map of Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989)
_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20145.png)
## Image Caption
In the aftermath of the Second World [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) (1939–1945), [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/) emerged physically devastated and politically polarized. As Allied cooperation gave way to rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin (rule 1924–1953), the continent became divided into competing spheres of influence. Western European states aligned with the United States, while Central and Eastern Europe fell under Soviet-backed communist governments. This division was not merely ideological but institutional, reshaping economic systems, security structures, and diplomatic alignments in what became known as the Cold War (c. 1947–1991).
To stabilize Western Europe and limit the appeal of communism, the United States implemented the Marshall Plan (1948–1952), channeling financial aid into reconstruction and encouraging economic cooperation. Integration deepened with the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, later evolving into the European Union, while non-member states formed the European Free [Trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) Association (EFTA) in 1960. In the East, the Soviet Union established COMECON (1949–1991) to coordinate centrally planned economies. Militarily, Europe’s division was formalized through NATO (founded 1949) and the Warsaw Pact (1955–1991). This bipolar structure endured until the revolutions of 1989, when communist regimes collapsed across Eastern Europe.
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## About the Author
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, February 25). Map of Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989). *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989)." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 25, 2026. .
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Europe After World War II (1945 to c. 1989)." *World History Encyclopedia*, 25 Feb 2026, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 25 February 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.