The Truman Doctrine and The Marshall Plan Flashcards
What was the Truman Doctrine?
Truman’s idea that it was the USA’s duty to prevent the spread of communism. to do this he was also prepared to engage the USA in military enterprises all over the world. It was a policy of containment,
Why did Truman begin the Truman Doctrine?
- He believed the Soviet Union were trying to spread Communism.
- He wanted to put pressure on the Soviet Union with the atom bomb and economic strength in order to prevent Soviet expansion.
- Events in Greece.
What happened in Greece?
Since Potsdam Britain had been supporting the Greek Royalist Government against the Communists, who were fighting a guerrilla war after losing the election. They also helped the Turkish Government, and gave money to both countries and had 4,000 troops stationed in Greece, in 1947, Britain could no longer afford to continue helping. The USA stepped in with necessary financial aid. Until now, the USA had not been greatly involved in European affairs. Now Truman committed the USA to a policy of containment. This was the Truman Doctrine.
What were the consequences of the Truman Doctrine?
- The Greek Government defeated the Communists.
- The Rivalry between the Superpowers.
- The USA became far more involved in European affairs.
- The USA decided on the Marshall Plan.
- Stalin set up Cominform.
What was the Marshall Plan?
Truman backed up his containment policy with economic aid to Europe.
Why did Truman begin the Marshall Plan?
Truman believed that countries with problematic economies were more likely to turn to Communism. Many countries had been damaged by the war, so Truamn began the Marsahll Plan to help countores cope economically. It also created new markets for US goods.
When was the Marshall Plan announced?
June 1947
What aid was given in the Marshall Plan?
Cash, machinery, food, and technological assistance.
What did the USA ask in return for Marshall Aid?
Agreeing to buy US goods and to allow US companies to invest in their industries.
What were the results of the Marshall Plan?
Countries were invited to meet together and discuss how to use the aid. 16 of these countries set up the Organisation for the European Economic Recovery (OEEC) to put the plan into action.
- By 1953, the US had provided $17 billion.
- Europe became more firmly divided.
- Stalin accused the USA of using the plan for its own selfish interests.
How did Stalin react to the Marshall Plan?
Stalin was initially involved but withdrew the Soviet Union from discussions because he did not trust the USA and did not want to show how weak the Soviet economy was. He prevented Eastern European countries such as Poland and Czechoslovakia. He also accused the USA of using the actionfor its own selfish interests.
What was the OEER.
The Organisation for European Economic Recovery. Formed with 16 countries to put the Marshall Plan into action.
Which countries were given Marshall Aid?
UK, France, Holland, West Germany, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Turkey, Denmark, Austria.
