The US Reaction to Soviet Expansionism (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE History)
Revision Note
Author
Zoe WadeExpertise
History
The Truman Doctrine
Greece and Turkey were struggling to prevent a Communist takeover of their governments
They faced a civil war between monarchists and Communists
In 1947, Britain announced it could no longer provide military support to the Greek government
Truman worried about the spread of Communism
He decided to take action
On 12th March 1947, Truman announced that the USA would send $400 million to both Greece and Turkey
Truman spoke about how nations have two alternative ways of life:
The Truman Doctrine promised to provide any country vulnerable to Communism
Money
Supplies
Weapons
Advice
By 1949, the Greek government defeated the Communists
This was a new approach to US foreign policy
Before the Second World War, the USA had followed a policy of isolationism
They refused to get involved in other countries' affairs
The Truman Doctrine replaced isolationism with containment
Worked Example
What was the Truman Doctrine?
4 marks
Answers:
The Truman Doctrine was an American policy of containment (1). It meant that the USA would help any country threatened by communist aggression (1). The USA sent military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey, which was under threat from Communism (1). The USA wanted to promote democracy through following capitalism rather than Communism (1).
Exam Tip
This question in Paper One requires you to state information you know about the Truman Doctrine. The Cambridge IGCSE gives you a point for each relevant piece of information that you write. Therefore, do not spend any additional time trying to describe or explain each reason.
Marshall Aid
Truman hoped that countries would choose the ‘first way’ of his doctrine
US General George Marshall visited Europe. He told Truman that:
‘Every’ country in Europe was at risk of turning to Communism
The Second World War had caused significant destruction
Many people saw Communism as a way to redistribute wealth and improve their lives
The USA should provide these countries with economic aid
Aid would persuade these countries away from Communism
Truman enacted Marshall’s proposals
The US Congress passed the Marshall Plan after Czechoslovakia became communist in 1948
What Economic Benefits Did the Marshall Plan Provide?
Before the plan, the USA gave $12.7 billion to other countries
The Marshall Plan gave away $13 billion to 16 European countries in Western Europe:
The amount of Marshall Aid was based on a country’s
Population
Pre-war economy
British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin described the Marshall Plan as a:
Lifeline to sinking men
The Marshall Plan was offered to the satellite states of Eastern Europe
Truman knew that Stalin would not allow them to accept the money
The Impact of the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Aid
Stalin believed that the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan was
A threat to communism and the USSR
Taking the role away from the United Nations, which should be the group providing money to other countries
Stalin called the Marshall Plan ‘dollar imperialism’
The USSR believed that the USA was using money to expand its ‘empire’
The USA wanted Europe to embrace free market capitalism and democracy
Marshall Aid would make European countries wealthy enough to buy US exports
Building European economies would prevent another Great Depression
The Marshall Plan had divided the West from the East:
Satellite states were in support of the USSR
Recipients of the Marshall Plan supported the USA
The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan increased Cold War tensions
Worked Example
Study Source A.
Are you surprised by this source? Explain your answer using details of the source and your knowledge
7 marks
Source A: A speech delivered by General George Marshall at Harvard University on 5 June 1947 I need not tell you gentlemen that the world situation is very serious.... The truth of the matter is that Europe's requirements for the next three or four years of foreign food and other essential products — principally from America — are so much greater than her present ability to pay that she must have substantial additional help or face economic, social, and political deterioration of a very grave character... Aside from the demoralizing effect on the world at large and the possibilities of disturbances arising as a result of the desperation of the people concerned, the consequences to the economy of the United States should be apparent to all. It is logical that the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world, without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace. Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos. Its purpose should be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist... An essential part of any successful action on the part of the United States is an understanding on the part of the people of America of the character of the problem and the remedies to be applied. Political passion and prejudice should have no part. With foresight, and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties I have outlined can and will be overcome... |
Partial answers:
I am surprised by Source A (1). One reason for my opinion is that General Marshall does not mention Communism. George Marshall was the Secretary of State and created the Marshall Plan. Due to his position in the US government, he would likely have anti-Communist opinions and follow containment (1). Within his letter, Marshall explicitly states “Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine” and that “Political passion and prejudice should have no part” (1). This shows that Marshall’s vision was to offer American economic aid to any country, regardless of their political outlook (1).
Exam Tip
This is a question that may appear on Paper Two. To answer this question fully, consider:
Who created the source. Consider the person’s occupation and how much they would know about the event in question. Consider if this person has presented a biased opinion in the source due to who they are
The strength of both sides of the argument. In this example, you need to consider why this source may also not be surprising. Consider the condition of Europe in 1947 and Truman’s motivation to create a free European market. Discuss how these may have influenced Marshall’s speech
Concluding your thoughts with a reflection on the extent to which you are surprised by the source. Use words like 'partially' or 'fully' to explain this.
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