History - Cold War - Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan and Stalin's response

What was the Truman Doctrine?

• Truman spoke how countries have 2 alternative ways in how they can live.

• He spoke about capitalism eloquently and how it was the best alternative.

• USA abandoned its policy of isolationism and adopted a policy of containment

• Truman wanted to stop the spread of communism

What was the Marshall Plan?

• Truman hoped countries would adopt the first path of his doctrine

• However, economies of post WW! of European countries had been destroyed, many saw communism as a way to redistribute wealth and improve their lives

• George Marshall recommended sending aid to these countries so they can rebuild their economies.

What benefits did the Marshall Plan provide?

• Before the plan = 12.7bn of aid given to countries

• After the plan = 12bn to 16 European countries.

• a ‘lifeline to sinking men’ - British Foreign Secretary

• Marshall Plan was offered to satellite states but they knew Stalin would not allow them to take it.

How was relations between US and USSR due to Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan?

• Stalin saw this as a threat to communism

• He believed the US was undermining the power of the UN, which should be the group in providing money and aid.

• Stalin called this ‘dollar imperialism’ - US was trying to expand it’s empire through money

What was Cominform?

• Cominform was set up in 1947 in response to the Marshall Plan

• known as ‘Communist Information Bureau’

• It allowed Stalin to control the governments of the satellite states as well as communist parties.

• Yugoslavia removed in 1948 after tensions with USSR.

What was Comecon?

• known as ‘Council for mutual economic assistance’

• a alternative to Marshall Plan and improve economies of satellite states.

• Each member nationalized their industries and collectivized their agriculture