The Truman Doctrine: Study Guide
What Was the Truman Doctrine?
The Truman Doctrine was a policy announced by Harry S. Truman on 12 March 1947.
It stated that the United States would support countries threatened by communism.
This became an important part of the Cold War between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Background Causes:
After World War II, tensions grew between the USA and the USSR because:
Truman’s Announcement
In a speech to Congress, Truman said the USA must support:
“free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation.”
The USA gave:
Main Aims of the Truman Doctrine1. ContainmentThe main goal was containment:
3. Increase US InfluenceThe doctrine also strengthened American influence around the world.
Why Was It Important?Beginning of ContainmentThe Truman Doctrine marked the start of the USA’s policy of containment.
Start of the Cold WarMany historians see it as the official beginning of the Cold War.
Division of the WorldCountries increasingly aligned with either:
Soviet Reaction: Joseph Stalin believed the Truman Doctrine was:
Link to the Marshall Plan: The Truman Doctrine led to the:
Marshall Plan
Exam-Style Questions1. Describe the Truman Doctrine. (4 marks)The Truman Doctrine was announced by Harry Truman in 1947. It promised US support to countries threatened by communism, especially Greece and Turkey. It introduced the policy of containment.
2. Why was the Truman Doctrine introduced? (6 marks)The USA feared the spread of communism after WWII. Britain could no longer support Greece and Turkey, so the USA stepped in. Truman believed helping these countries would stop Soviet influence expanding into Europe and the Middle East.
3. “The Truman Doctrine increased Cold War tensions.” How far do you agree? (10 marks)Agree:
Quick Revision Summary
The Truman Doctrine was a policy announced by Harry S. Truman on 12 March 1947.
It stated that the United States would support countries threatened by communism.
This became an important part of the Cold War between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Background Causes:
After World War II, tensions grew between the USA and the USSR because:
- The USSR spread communist influence across Eastern Europe.
- The USA feared communism would continue spreading.
- Britain could no longer afford to support anti-communist governments in Greece and Turkey.
- Greece was in a civil war between:
- the Greek government
- communist rebels
- The USA feared that if Greece became communist, nearby countries might follow.
- This idea later became known as the Domino Theory.
Truman’s Announcement
In a speech to Congress, Truman said the USA must support:
“free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation.”
The USA gave:
- $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey
- military and economic assistance
Main Aims of the Truman Doctrine1. ContainmentThe main goal was containment:
- stopping the spread of communism
- preventing Soviet influence from growing
3. Increase US InfluenceThe doctrine also strengthened American influence around the world.
Why Was It Important?Beginning of ContainmentThe Truman Doctrine marked the start of the USA’s policy of containment.
Start of the Cold WarMany historians see it as the official beginning of the Cold War.
Division of the WorldCountries increasingly aligned with either:
- the USA (capitalist)
- or the USSR (communist)
Soviet Reaction: Joseph Stalin believed the Truman Doctrine was:
- aggressive
- anti-Soviet
- an attempt by the USA to spread capitalism
Link to the Marshall Plan: The Truman Doctrine led to the:
Marshall Plan
- Announced in 1947, enacted from 1948 to 1952 (By Truman’ Secretary of State)
- Offered economic aid to rebuild Europe
- Aimed to prevent poverty which he believed would encourage support for communism
- $13 billion in grants, machinery and food to help rebuild the shattered economies of Western Europe
- Offered to Eastern European countries- but Stalin blocked it
- Also known as The European Recovery Programme
Exam-Style Questions1. Describe the Truman Doctrine. (4 marks)The Truman Doctrine was announced by Harry Truman in 1947. It promised US support to countries threatened by communism, especially Greece and Turkey. It introduced the policy of containment.
2. Why was the Truman Doctrine introduced? (6 marks)The USA feared the spread of communism after WWII. Britain could no longer support Greece and Turkey, so the USA stepped in. Truman believed helping these countries would stop Soviet influence expanding into Europe and the Middle East.
3. “The Truman Doctrine increased Cold War tensions.” How far do you agree? (10 marks)Agree:
- It openly opposed Soviet expansion.
- Stalin saw it as hostile.
- It divided the world into two opposing sides.
- The USSR had already spread communism in Eastern Europe.
- The USA believed it was defending democracy.
- Tensions already existed before 1947.
Quick Revision Summary
- Announced by Truman in 1947
- USA promised help against communism
- Focused on Greece and Turkey
- Introduced containment
- Increased Cold War tensions
- Led to the Marshall Plan
