The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan

What development in 1946 triggered the Truman Doctrine?

The Greek Civil War (1946-9)

Who was the leader of the KKE (Greek communists)?

Markos Vafiadis

Who was the leader of the monarchist government?

Konstantinos Tsaldaris

Why did Stalin not back the Greek communists?

He previously agreed that Greece should remain within the Western sphere of influence and he was unsympathetic towards communist revolutions in states where he could not ensure control.

When did the British say they could no longer back the monarchists?

February 1947 - could no longer carry the financial burden so they appealed to the USA for help.

What happened in the 'white terror'?

1,200 killed and a further 40,000 arrested.

When was the Truman Doctrine announced?

12th March 1947

What did the Truman Doctrine state?

That 'it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures'.

What did the US think would happen to Turkey if Greece fell to communism?

If Greece was lost to communism because they did not receive aid then Turkey would also fall (response to Soviet expansionism).

What was the purpose of the doctrine?

To prevent expansion of USSR influence in Western Europe, to ensure the continued growth of the US economy and to demonise the Soviet Union.

How much was given to Greece and Turkey?

$300 million to Greece and $100 million to Turkey.

What did Eric Foner state about the Truman Doctrine?

It set a precedent for American assistance to anti-communist regimes throughout the world, no matter how undemocratic.

When was the Marshall Plan announced?

June 1947

How much aid was dedicated to Europe?

$13.5 billion went to 16 countries.

What was the motive of the US in implementing Marshall Aid?

Unless the economies of Europe recovered, there could be recession in the USA - Europe would not be able to act as a market for US goods. Poverty was viewed as a breeding ground for communism.

What did countries have to provide as a condition of receiving the Aid?

Recipients had to spend a portion of it on American goods, they had to allow access to economic records and allow American companies to access its markets - impossible for communist states to do so.

What did Molotov call Marshall Aid?

He called it ‘dollar imperialism.’

What did Churchill call the Marshall Plan?

The most unselfish act in history.

When was the Paris Peace Conference?

July 1947

What happened at this conference?

The Soviet delegation walked out in protest and rejected the Aid for Eastern European states.

Which Eastern European countries were interested in Marshall Aid?

Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland.

When was the Zhdanov Doctrine?

September 1947

What did the Zhdanov Doctrine state?

The world was divided into two camps: imperialist and anti-democratic one led by the USA and an anti-imperialist and democratic camp led by the USSR.

When was the Communist Information Bureau set up?

22nd September 1947

What was the purpose of Cominform?

To coordinate actions between Communist parties under Soviet control.

What countries were founding members of Cominform?

The USSR, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Yugoslavia.

Why did Stalin dislike Tito?

Tito's rule in Yugoslavia was different from the Soviet model - Stalin wished for uniformity amongst the satellite states.

When was Yugoslavia expelled from Cominform?

June 1948

When was Comecon set up?

January 1949

What countries were founding members of Comecon?

The USSR, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania.

What was the purpose of Comecon?

To strengthen the economic relationship of the communist countries who were isolated from suppliers and traditional markets in the rest of Europe.

Why were Eastern European countries in need of aid?

Stalin had refused Marshall Aid and the breakdown in relations between the USA and USSR meant that they were in need of economic assistance.