C. How did the USA react to Soviet expansionism?

When was the Truman Doctrine?

The Truman Doctrine was in March 1947

Why did Truman introduce the Doctrine?

• In March 1947, Britain could no longer afford to sustain its support for the Greek Civil War between royalists and Yugoslav-backed communists

• The USA provided 400 million in economic and military aid for Greece to prevent Greece becoming communism

• The shattered economy of Europe was a fertile ground for communism to take root and spread

What was the impact of the USA being committed to containment?

• Involvement in European affairs and resisting further Soviet expansion increased

• This increased the likelihood of confrontation between the two superpowers

• COMINFORM established which aimed to increase USSR’s control of economic and foreign policies of Eastern European countries

• Ideological rivalry increased

• Marshall Aid increased economic rivalry between East and Wes

When was Marshall Aid and who announced it?

Marshall Aid was announced in June 1947 by State George Marshall

What was Marshall Aid?

• Marshall Aid was a plan to stabilise Europe’s economy and prevent the spread of communism by providing 13.3 billion

• By 1953, this amount increased to 15 billion

Name three impacts of the Truman Doctrine?

• COMINFORM was established which aimed to increase USSR’s control of economic and foreign policies of Eastern European countries

• Ideological rivalry increased between the USA and the USSR

• Marshall Aid was set up which increased economic rivalry between East and Wes

Why was Marshall Aid introduced?

• Communism was perceived to thrive in poverty but with jobs and food Europe wouldn’t turn to Communism

• Marshall Aid seemed to be cheaper than committing ground forces to prop up Europe

• WW2 had damaged European economies as war debt reduced countries ability to rebuild its economy and GB had rationing until 1953

• The USA needed markets for their goods

What was the impact of Marshall Aid?

• Europe was divided because communist countrieswere banned from accepting Marshall Aid

• Strong ties built between West Europe and USA

• Gaps in living conditions in East and West increased and the Soviets embarrassed by wealth of capitalist nations

• Stalin became concerned about the US involvement in Europe and COMECON was established to counteract Marshall Aid