The Truman Doctrine
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Truman discovered that the USSR was in no position to wage war.
Truman believed the USSR had a second strategy: Stalin could encourage
communist revolutions across Europe.
Post-WWII, much of Europe was devastated, suffering great hardships - ripe
for communism.
Communists believed that the wealth of the richest should be shared out
among the poor.
To address this threat; The Truman Doctrine.
The Truman Doctrine
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The world had a choice between communist tyranny and democratic freedom.
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America had a responsibility to fight for liberty wherever it was threatened.
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America would send troops and economic resources to help governments that
were threatened by communists.
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Communism should not be allowed to grow and gain territory.
The significance of the Truman Doctrine
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The TD suggested that America, rather than the United Nations, had a
responsibility to protect the world.
A reversal of the USA’s traditional “isolationism” policy.
It divided the world according to ideology: Capitalism vs Communism.
Also suggested that cooperation between East and West had ended due to
ideological differences.
Unofficial end of the old United Nations, start of the Cold War.
Set a realistic goal for American Foreign policy; “containment”.
“Containment” - America would not invade the USSR but try to stop
communism spreading.
Homework
Answer these questions thoughtfully:
1.)
Why did Harry S. Truman develop the Truman Doctrine to deal with
Communism? Did he have any other options? Why or why not?
2.)
How did the Truman Doctrine change the course of world History?