Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan Flashcards
When did Truman announce the Truman Doctrine?
March 1947
What was the Truman Doctrine announced in response to?
British troops withdrawing from Greece - and thus the need for US support
What was Truman’s initial request?
That $400 million be sent to Greece and Turkey to prevent them falling to Communism
Complete the quote from Truman. “I believe it must be the policy of the United States to support _________ ____________ who are resisting __________ __________”
free peoples, attempted subjugation (attempts to dominate them)
How did Truman believe ‘free peoples’ could be supported?
Through economic and financial aid, to ensure political stability
What did Truman’s policy of opposing Communism become known as?
Containment
Why did Stalin hate the Truman Doctrine?
He saw it as aggressive, as now the USA were actively opposing Communism
Who did Truman send to Europe to assess its economic state?
American General George Marshall
What did Marshall find in Europe?
A totally ruined continent with shortages in food and other goods such as coal (making winters awful)
How did Churchill describe Europe?
As a “breeding ground of hate”
How much did Marshall suggest Europe needed to rebuild?
$17 billion
Although Truman agreed that Europe needed money, why did he not send it straight away?
He needed the approval of Congress, which initially refused ($17 billion was an enormous sum of money)
Which key event made the US Congress change its mind about the Marshall Plan?
The Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia
What happened in Czechoslovakia in March 1948?
- From 1946, Communists had been the largest party, but had ruled as part of a coalition (a govt. of more than one party)
- In 1948, anti-Soviet leaders were purged and Communists took full control
- Jan Masaryk, a pro-American minister, was found dead in suspicious circumstances
Who was Jan Masaryk and why was he important?
He was a pro-American Czechoslovak minister. He was found dead in 1948 in suspicious circumstances. His death led to Congress approving the Marshall Plan
Why was the Communist takeover in Czechoslovakia important?
It prompted the US Congress to approve the $17 billion in aid for Europe to help prevent Communism spreading further
Why was Marshall Aid partly motivated by self-interest?
Because it opened up new markets for American goods (e.g. a prosperous Britain/France could buy from American manufacturers)
What did Stalin call the Marshall Plan?
An example of ‘dollar imperialism’ - i.e. the USA trying to spread its influence by making countries dependent on US money
What did Stalin forbid eastern European countries to do?
Bid for or accept any Marshall Aid
What did Stalin create to combat Marshall Aid?
Comecon (Com – econ)
What was Comecon?
An organisation to control economic planning in eastern Europe
What did Comecon allow Stalin to do?
Control the economies of eastern Europe for Russia’s benefit
When did Stalin establish Comecon?
1949
Define ‘doctrine’
A belief
