Truman Doctrine facts for kids
The Truman Doctrine was a special plan announced by American President Harry S. Truman. He gave a speech to the U.S. Congress on March 12, 1947. In his speech, Truman said the United States should help countries like Greece and Turkey. He wanted to stop them from becoming 'totalitarianists', which really meant stopping them from becoming Communist like the Soviet Union.
Many historians believe this speech was the true beginning of the Cold War. This was a long period of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.
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Why the Truman Doctrine Was Needed
This important speech happened after the United Kingdom made a big announcement. In February 1947, the UK said it could no longer help Greece and Turkey. The UK was very poor after spending so much money in World War II.
This meant Greece and Turkey would stay poor and weak. President Truman worried that poor countries in Eastern Europe might easily turn to Communism. He believed the United States needed to help them. Truman thought the Soviet Union was helping the Greek Communist partisans. However, there was no clear proof of this at the time.
A Big Change in US Policy
The Truman Doctrine was a huge shift in American politics. Before this, the US often tried to stay out of other countries' problems. Now, it was promising to help nations far away.
Political historian Walter LaFeber wrote that the doctrine became an "ideological shield." This means he thought the United States used this plan as a strong reason or excuse for its actions around the world. The Marshall Plan, which helped rebuild Europe, came soon after because of this new policy.
Related pages
Images for kids
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King George II of Greece (r. 1922–24, 1935–47), whose rule was opposed by a communist insurgency in the Greek Civil War
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George F. Kennan (1904–2005) proposed the doctrine of containment in 1946.
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Dean Acheson (1893–1971), who helped craft Truman's doctrine, was named his secretary of state the following year.
See also
In Spanish: Doctrina Truman para niños
