Origins of the cold war (Truman doctrine and its consequences)

Question 1

What is the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 1

• 1947
• Held Truman’s beliefs for America.

” I believe that it must be the policy of the USA to support the peoples, who resist being enslaved by armed minorities, or by outside pressures.” ~ Truman

Question 2

What was preceding the Truman Doctrine and what caused it?

Answer 2

• Expansion of Russia and disagreements at Potsdam preceded the Truman Doctrine.
• USA belief that Russia was intentionally trying to spread communism. (Fear of expanding communism)
• They wanted to pressure the Soviet Union by using the fear of the Atomic Bomb

Question 3

What did the Truman Doctrine really mean?

Answer 3

• USA will help anyone that is threatened by communism.
• Truman intends to “contain” communism. Not stop it, but contain.
• Truman wants to use the economic and military might to stop the spread of communism (the seeds of the arms race)

Question 4

What were the consequences of the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 4

• divides the world into “Two Armed Camps”, either communism or Capitalism.
• Greatly increases tensions and rivalry between Russia and the US.
• US committed to the Policy of Containment
• Introduction of the Marshall Plan

Question 5

What is the containment policy?

Answer 5

• Contain the spread Russian Soviet communist influence.

Question 6

What is the Marshall PLan?

Answer 6

• Response to economic chaos in Europe. This strengthened support Communism in France and Italy.
• sought to use US aid to combat the economic instability which bred room for communism.

Question 7

What did George MArshall say when introducing the Marshall Plan?

Answer 7

• ” Our policy is not directed against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos” ~ George Marshall