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 and 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 hardship and poverty were the breading 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 Western 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 USA trying to expand 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 in 1947 in response to the Truman Doctrine. It was a political organisation that included the USSR, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania and Poland. Yugoslavia was expelled in 1948. It directed and controlled the governments of satellite states and made sure they took orders from Moscow.
What did Truman promise in his speech to congress in March 1947?
That the USA would provide aid to any country standing up to oppression.
Why was it possible for the US government to take action based on Truman’s speech?
He said, “it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.” It was clear that Truman was referring to countries resisting an armed communist takeover, BUT it was not spelt out in such straigh-forward terms.
