Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan

Question 1

What was the background of the TD?

Answer 1

Britain joined in Greece civil war against communist guerillas, but struggled and lacked money - they appealed to US for help
After “Long Telegram” Truman asked military to review strength of USSR. Found they weren’t strong enough to start a physical war, but Truman believed Stalin had another tactic; encouraging communism in countries left economically ruined after war, because idea of sharing richest’s wealth was appealing.

Question 2

Name the key points of the TD?

Answer 2

• World had a choice between communism and capitalism
• America had a responsibility to fight for liberty where it was threatened
• America would send in troops and resources to help governments threatened by communism
• Communism not allowed to grow and gain territory

Question 3

Name the consequences of the TD?

Answer 3

America’s declaration that they had to protect the world contrasted policy of “isolationism”
Divided world between two ideologies: communism and capitalism (divide put end of Grand Alliance from WW2 and sparked divide between east and west)

Question 4

When was the Truman Doctrine announced?

Answer 4

1947

Question 5

Summarise the MP?

Answer 5

Described by Truman as “two sides of same walnut” (aka two strategies to deal with communism)

Question 6

What was the first strategy of the MP?

Answer 6

Containment: using sheer military force to beat communism

Question 7

What was the second strategy of the MP?

Answer 7

Marshall Aid: put aside $13 billion to rebuild broken economies in Europe. By encouraging prosperity, the attraction of communism would lessen. Helped America also as when country agreed to MA, also had to agree to trade freely with America.

Question 8

What were reactions to the MP?

Answer 8

At Paris Conference (1948) many countries eager to receive MA
USSR leaders walked out of Paris Conference, claiming USA dividing Europe into “two camps” & MA was foundation to USA forming military alliances which were a threat to Soviets
Stalin pressured countries in USSR’s sphere of influence to decline MA
16 countries (including Britain and France) accepted MA as it was a way to rebuild economies and eliminate communism