Truman Doctrine Flashcards
What was the initial hope of the USA regarding the rebuilding of Europe’s economies and communism?
The USA had hoped that wealthier European countries like Britain might be able to rebuild Europe’s broken economies and make communism look like a less attractive option.
Why did Britain find it difficult to provide aid to countries 6 years after the war?
Britain was nearly bankrupt, making giving aid to countries increasingly impossible.
What was the main announcement of Truman’s speech to the U.S. Congress on March 12, 1947?
Truman announced an economic aid package to Greece and Turkey, providing $400 million in aid and sending American civilian and military personnel to the region.
What clear statement did Truman make in his speech regarding democracy and communism?
- Truman stated that there are two ways of life, and every nation must choose between them.
- The first way offered majority rule and freedom from political oppression, while the second way forced the will of the minority upon the majority, which Truman equated with communism.
According to Truman, why was choosing democracy over communism significant?
Truman believed choosing democracy over communism was like choosing good over evil.
What shift in US foreign policy occurred as a result of the Truman Doctrine?
The US abandoned its policy of isolationism and set itself up as the leader of the fight against communism, replacing isolationism with containment.
