Rising Tensions in the Cold War - The Truman Doctrine

Question 1

What was the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 1

The Truman Doctrine was an American policy which was anti-communist and involved the containment of communism. It led to the Marshall Plan.

Question 2

When did the Truman Doctrine begin?

Answer 2

President Harry S Truman announced his doctrine on 12th March, 1947.

Question 3

Why was the Truman Doctrine established?

Answer 3

• Britain could not afford to give any more military support to the Greek government in the civil war against Greek communists.
• The USA promised $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey to help win the war against the Greek communists.
• It aimed to contain the spread of communism by giving military and economic assistance to any country threatened by it.

Question 4

What were the main points of the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 4

• It stated the world had a choice between communism, or capitalism and democracy.
• The USA would send troops and economic aid to countries threatened by communism so it was contained and could not spread.
• The USA would no longer follow an isolationist foreign policy and would now get involved in the affairs of other countries, rather than stay out of them.

Question 5

What conditions were there in order for countries to receive aid under the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 5

Countries had to choose capitalism over communism in order to receive aid from the USA.

Question 6

What was the importance of the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 6

• It meant the USA officially abandoned its isolationist foreign policy and would play an active role in the world.
• It meant the USA was on a potential collision course with the USSR as the doctrine was directed against the spread of communism.
• It directly resulted in the creation of the Marshall Plan.
• It resulted in the further deterioration in the relationship between the USA and the USSR.