Truman Doctrine Essays - Presidency Of Harry S. Truman, Free Essays

Truman Doctrine Essays - Presidency Of Harry S. Truman, Free Essays Truman Doctrine Truman Doctrine Pres. Harry S. Truman On March 12, 1947, President Harry S. Truman, before a Joint Session of Congress, declared it to be foreign policy to help any country threatened by communism. His specific request was for $400 million to help both Greece and Turkey financially. After listening to his request, Congress approved. After World War I, Great Britain rules the greatest empire. After two World Wars, Great Britain was hurt financially and physically. They now could not handle being a top world power. Two other countries that were hurt by World War II were Greece and Turkey. In February, Great Britain informed the United States that they were not able to provide financial aid to Greece and Turkey. Turkey was trying to modernize their society, and Greece was in a civil war. Since they needed money, and Great Britain was not able to provide financial aid, the United States was afraid that Greece and Turkey would fall into Soviet influence, meaning they could fall into communism. Dean Acheson, Undersecretary of State, met with members of Congress to discuss the importance of aiding Greece and turkey. He explained the Domino Theory, which meant if one nation were to fall into communism, neighboring states are weakened and would eventually fall into communism themselves. Realizing the importance of this threat, Congress accepted Truman?s request was accepted. Though his request was accepted, Congress wanted Truman to address this issue with the public; this would become a national broadcast. In his speech, Truman specifically stated that Greece and Turkey were right next to the Soviet Union and that both countries could fall into Soviet rule. He felt genuinely about the responsibility that the United States had in aiding other countries that are threatened by communism. He showed his concern by stating, ?I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures. I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way. I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid, which is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes.? After that quote, you may think to yourself, ?How bad can communism be for the United States to fight strongly against it Communism does not promote growth, nor does it allow you the freedom to choose what you want to do with your life. Basically, all people live the same lifestyles, and all the money to the elite of the country, kind of like a dictatorship. This shows that we Americans should be grateful that we have the decisions to pursue our desires and make our life the best of what we can make of it. This also shows how dedicated our government is to providing the people with what is best for us. Truman described that giving aid to Greece and Turkey was simply common sense to spend that money as an investment to promote world peace and world freedom. In May, Congress signed Truman?s request, American support was given to Greece and turkey. Turkey was able to resist Soviet pressure and the Greek government completely got rid of the communist rebellion by October. All in all, the Truman doctrine tried to save the world from becoming a communist country and I think it turned out to be successful. It saved two nations that were in risk of being controlled by the Soviets and possibly from becoming destroyed. Anyways, Stalin?s plan was to literally take over the world with his ideas and views. President Truman saved the world from the dangers of Communism and we should be grateful because if it wasn?t for him, we Americans would probably be taken over by a Communist supremacy.