Truman Doctrine 3 Understand the importance of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, which established the pattern for America's postwar policy of supplying economic and military aid to prevent the spread of Communism and the resulting economic and political competition in arenas such as Southeast Asia (i.e., the Korean War, Vietnam War), Cuba, and Africa.

Truman Doctrine 1.On 12th March, 1947, President Truman, announced details to Congress of what eventually became known as the Truman Doctrine. In his speech he pledged American support for "free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures".

Truman Doctrine 2.He requested that Congress give military and economic aid ($400,000,000) to Greece in its fight against communism. 3.He intended to send American military and economic advisers to countries whose political stability was threatened by communism.

Truman Doctrine 4.This doctrine expanded the nation's role in “Containing” the spread of communism in the postwar era. 5.In the early months of the Cold War, as the atmosphere of wartime cooperation disintegrated, the British were propping up the Greek government against communist guerrillas believed to be receiving support from Moscow.

Truman Doctrine 6.In February 1947, facing financial problems and the end of its empire, Great Britain announced its plans to withdraw from Greece. 7.The U.S. feared that Greece and perhaps Turkey would fall under Soviet control.

Truman Doctrine 8.Fear of communism spreading led to the need for what would come to be known as the Marshall Plan. 9.The United States gave huge sums of money to rebuild Western Europe and counter any communist threat there.

Truman Doctrine 10.The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan paved the way for the policy of “Containment” that formed the backbone of the nation's Cold War policy in fighting communism all over the world, especially in Vietnam.

Marshall Plan 11.The Marshall Plan (The European Recovery Program or ERP), was the main plan of the United States for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. 12.Communism flourishes in poor countries.

Marshall Plan 13.Between 1948 and 1951, the United States gave more than thirteen billion dollars (nearly $100 billion at present-day U.S. prices) in economic and technical help, aiding in the recovery of sixteen European countries.

14.After six years of war much of the European continent was completely devastated. The war raged over a significantly larger area than WWI. 15.The economies of the regions were ruined, millions were homeless, and the destruction of agriculture had lead to conditions nearing starvation in much of the continent.

Marshall Plan 16.Most major cities including Warsaw and Berlin were completely destroyed, while others such as London were severely damaged. Infrastructure was obliterated. Transportation was useless: railways, bridges, and roads had been heavily targeted by air strikes while much merchant shipping had been sunk. These needed money to rebuild.

Marshall Plan 17.Most European countries exhausted their treasuries fighting the war. They couldn’t afford to fix the damage. 18.The one country not significantly harmed was the United States. It had entered the war late and had only once been significantly attacked during the conflict.

Marshall Plan 19.The American gold reserves, and their massive agricultural and manufacturing base were still intact. 20.Originally it was hoped that little would need to be done to rebuild Europe. It was hoped that Britain and France, with the help of their colonies, would quickly rebuild their economies. However, drought in 1947 and a cold winter in aggravated an already poor situation.

Marshall Plan 21.The American government had grown very suspicious of Soviet actions and concerned about possible communist domination of Europe. 22.In both France and Italy the poverty of the post war era had provided fuel for the communist parties who had seen significant electoral success. 23.Something had to be done.

Marshall Plan 24.The United States needed to substantially aid non-communist countries to stop the spread of Soviet influence. 25.Since the United States was virtually untouched, and they were rich in resources, they were the logical choice to lead the fight.

Marshall Plan 26.The first substantial aid went to Greece and Turkey who were seen as being on the front lines of the battle against communist expansion. In February Britain desperately requested aid from the States to help their economy.

Marshall Plan 27.The main alternative to large quantities of American aid was to take it from Germany. It advocated extracting massive reparations from Germany to help rebuild those countries it had attacked, and also to prevent Germany from ever being rebuilt.

Marshall Plan 28.This plan was rejected, given the effects on Germany after WWI.