The Truman Doctrine; A Doctrine of Containment
- Implemented when G.B. decided to pull out of Greece
- 400 mil. Dollars pledged to greece and Turkey to prevent expansion of Communism
- It became a mantra for American policy throughout the world to stop the spread of Communism
- "Line in the Sand"
The Marshall Plan, 1947
- George C. Marshall, secretary of state proposed aid to rebuild western Europe
- Sixteen nations applied for the aid to be handed out over 4 years
- Also helped limit expansion of Communism
- The US gov't blocked the aid until Czechoslovakia was taken over in 1948
Summary
The first step was the “Truman Doctrine” of March 1947, which reflected the combativeness of President Harry Truman. Truman wanted to “scare the hell” out of Congress. Arguing that Greece and Turkey could fall victim to subversion without support from friendly nations, Truman asked Congress to authorize $400-million in emergency assistance. To justify this course, he said: “I believe we must assist free peoples to work out their destinies in their own way.” The key to preventing the overthrow of free nations was to attack the conditions of “misery and want” that nurtured totalitarianism.
Marshall Plan nations were assisted greatly in their economic recovery. From 1948 through 1952 European economies grew at an unprecedented rate. Trade relations led to the formation of the North Atlantic alliance. Economic prosperity led by coal and steel industries helped to shape what we know now as the European Union.
Marshall Plan nations were assisted greatly in their economic recovery. From 1948 through 1952 European economies grew at an unprecedented rate. Trade relations led to the formation of the North Atlantic alliance. Economic prosperity led by coal and steel industries helped to shape what we know now as the European Union.