The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan Flashcards
Cause 1 - How was Truman influenced by the Long Telegram?
The Long Telegram in 1946 had confirmed Truman’s worst fears. It said that the Soviet Union intended to spread communism throughout Europe. Truman was not worried about fighting a war with the USSR, but he was worried that countries that had been badly damaged by WWII might turn to communism.
Cause 2 - What pushed Truman into taking real action?
Truman hoped that wealthier European counties (like Britain) would help to rebuild Europe and make communism look like a less attractive proposal. However, Britain was nearly bankrupt and announced that it could no longer support the Greek government against communist fighters, so Truman decided it was time to take action to contain communism himself.
Feature 1 - The speech and it’s ‘official’ purpose
On 12th March 1947, President Truman delivered a speech that became known as the Truman Doctrine. The speech was officially given to announce the economic aid he wanted to give to Greece and Turkey - $400m.
Feature 2 - The political content of the speech
Truman also used the opportunity to make a clear statement about what he saw as the differences between democracy and communism. He spoke of two alternative ways of life: majority rule and freedom (capitalism) vs. the will of the minority being forced on the majority (communism). He said communism should not be allowed to grow and that the USA would send troops and economic aid to countries trying to resist communism.
Consequence 1 - Positive effects on recipients of the Marshall Aid
Truman sent Marshall to give the money out and between 1948 to 1952, the USA gave $12.7bn in addition to the $13bn already given out by the USA. The British foreign secretary, Ernest Bevin, called it “a lifeline to sinking men, giving hope where there was none.”
Consequence 2 - Rejection by Stalin and the creation of two economic and political alliance systems in the Cold War
Stalin referred to the Marshall Plan as ‘Dollar Imperialism’ and rejected it. This finally removed any lingering belief in the Grand Alliance and the Truman Doctrine is seen by many as the start of the Cold War because it created two alliance systems in Europe and pushed Stalin into creating Comecon.
