Development of the Cold War: The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan Flashcards
Why did events in Greece change US policy?
Truman was informed in 1947 that GB could no longer afford to keep troops in Greece & Turkey. If GB withdrew these countries could well come under the influence of Stalin. Truman therefore paid for the troops to be kept there and gave financial backing to the two countries. This was the beginning of the US policy of CONTAINMENT
What was the Truman Doctrine
Truman announced this change of policy from isolationism to containment to the world in a speech in March 1947 – he made it clear that the USA was prepared to assist any country under the threat of communism. Truman said choosing democracy over communism was like choosing good over evil. The USA would send troops and money to stop communism spreading. This was known as containment.
What was Marshall Aid?
Truman believed poverty and hardship were the breeding grounds for communism, and he therefore provided billions of dollars for the wrecked economies of Europe. Between 1948 and 1952 the USA gave $12.7bn to West Europe. He also wanted these economies to recover so that they could provide a market for US produced goods.
What was the Soviet response to the Truman Doctrine?
Stalin thought it showed that the USA was trying to extend its influence in Europe. He argued that the MP was a way of using economic strength to divide Europe in two. He called it dollar imperialism.
What impact did the Truman Doctrine have on international relations after 1947?
• The USA was now in direct opposition to the USSR
• Stalin’s suspicions of the West were reinforced
• Europe was now divided into two economic and
political camps
What did Stalin set up to rival the MP?
Comecon, 1949
What did Comecon allow?
Aimed to support economic development in member
states/trade and industrial planning across East European countries. Trade with the West was discouraged.
What was Cominform?
Set up 1947 in response to the Truman Doctrine. Political organisation, included the USSR, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romani and Poland. Yugoslavia was expelled in 1948.
It directed and controlled the governments of satellite sates and made sure they took orders from Moscow.
