Truman Doctrine - Cold War Flashcards
What was the build-up to the truman doctrine and its reasons?
- After the second world war , much of Europe was devastated with many countries suffering hardships
- As Truman ruled as a Capitalist, he disliked the idea of communism as the conditions of communism is appealing to those in need
- As the USSR are an incredibly strong country
What was in the truman doctrine speech and what was Truman trying to say?
• Truman announced that that the world had a choice between communist tyranny and democratic freedom
• Communism should not be allowed to grow, instead it should be suppressed. In practice this meant that the US would send troops and economic aid to help countries threatened by Communism
• This represented a big change in American policy. Previously the US had been isolationists, which meant they wouldn’t get involved in other peoples affairs, but now the USA is setting itself off to fight against communism and isolationism replaced with containment.
• Now the USA was setting itself up as the leader in the fight against communism
What was the initial purpose of Trumans speech? (March 1947)
The initial purpose of Truman’s speech was just to announce that the US were sending an economic aid package to Greece and Turkey providing $400 mil and sent American civilian and military personel to the region
What is the definition of containment? (JUST READ)
Containment - limiting the spread of something such as the US suppressing the spread of communism to Europe
What is the definition of isolationalism? (JUST READ)
Staying apart or not getting involved in the affairs of others such as USA’s policy of isolationism
Why does “the second way of life” annoy Stalin the most?
As Truman is looking down on Stalins way of ruling and beleives Capitalism is the best way to rule a country
What was another thing Truman mentioned in his speech?
As Truman saw the oppurtunity to make a statement about his view on democracy and communism, he also didn’t hesitate to Show his hatred on communism.
By announcing :
The Truman Doctrine also announced that America should help countries resist communist takeover with economic resources and troops if necessary. Truman also made it clear that he wanted to CONTAIN communism which becomes central to American foreign policy in the post-war years
What are the consequences of the Truman Doctrine?
- Grand Alliance gone, USA now opponents to USSR
- Stalins suspicions arises, has evidence that USA are against communism
- Europe was divided into communism and capitalism, USA and Russia
- For 50 years, Intense rivalries arises over opponents (politically)
