Why, following World War II, did the Soviet Union use its newfound superpower status to solidify control over Eastern European states like Poland and Czechoslovakia?

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The Soviet Union feared another invasion from the West after being invaded twice in the 20th century (by Germany in World War II and by several Western powers during the Russian Civil War). It sought to create a buffer zone of friendly nations in Eastern Europe to protect itself from potential future invasions. This is known as the Soviet Union's policy of creating a "sphere of influence" in Eastern Europe.

Why, Following World War II, Did the Soviet Union Use