Truman Doctrine & Marshall Plan

What was the Truman Doctrine (1947)?

A shift in US policy from isolationism to Containment—stopping the spread of Communism.

Immediate cause of the Truman Doctrine.

Britain could no longer afford to support the royalists against communists in the Greek Civil War.

Explain the 'Containment' policy.

The US would provide military and economic aid to any country resisting a communist takeover.

What was the Marshall Plan (1948)?

An "economic miracle" package of $13 billion to rebuild Europe's shattered economies.

What was the political goal of the Marshall Plan?

To make Communism look less attractive by ensuring prosperity in capitalist countries.

Stalin's reaction to Marshall Aid.

He called it "Dollar Imperialism" and banned Satellite States from accepting it.

Consequence of the Marshall Plan.

It effectively divided Europe into two distinct economic blocs

The Greek Civil War:

The trigger for the Truman Doctrine. Britain could no longer fund the Royalists against the EAM/ELAS (Communists).

The Truman Doctrine Speech:

Truman stated the world was now divided into two "ways of life"—one based on freedom, the other on "terror and oppression."

$400 Million:

The specific amount granted to Greece and Turkey to ensure the "Containment" of Communism in the Mediterranean.

Isolationism vs. Interventionism:

The Truman Doctrine marked the official end of the "Monroe Doctrine" (the US staying out of European affairs).

The Marshall Plan Rationale:

George Marshall (Secretary of State) argued that economic ruin made countries "vulnerable" to Communist takeover.

$13.3 Billion:

The total aid given to 16 countries. The largest shares went to Britain ($3.2bn) and France ($2.7bn).

The 'Condition' of Marshall Aid:

Countries had to open their records to US inspectors, which is why Stalin forced Eastern Europe to reject it.

Economic Miracle (Wirtschaftswunder):

The Marshall Plan was the "seed money" that triggered the rapid recovery of West Germany.

Dollar Imperialism:

The Soviet accusation that the Marshall Plan was a "Trojan Horse" designed to give the US control over European politics.

The 1948 Italian Election:

The CIA funneled millions to the Christian Democrats to prevent a Communist victory—the first major "covert" success of the Truman Doctrine.