Background Information
As the British expressed they could no longer continue their financial support for the nations of Greece and Turkey, the United States was left with a rather obvious decision -- to pick up the burden from the British. As Greece's economy and government control were rapidly declining in 1947 and a communist-led insurgency was on the rise, the United States felt that it was their responsibility to assist conditions in Greece. In President Truman's speech, now known as the "Truman Doctrine," Truman addresses congress with a request of $400 million dollars for aid in Greece and Turkey.1 Truman argues that instability and a Greek Civil War with the Communists will weaken Turkey and continues on to outline his Domino Theory. Truman is not the last to present a Domino Theory in connection with containment; Truman asserts that if Greece or Turkey fall, their neighbors would be greatly affected and communism could easily spread South and throughout the Middle East.
Primary Source Document - Excerpt from the “Truman Doctrine Speech,” delivered by President Truman to Congress on March 12, 1947.
"The United States has received from the Greek Government an urgent appeal for financial and economic assistance…Greece is in desperate need of financial and economic assistance to enable it to resume purchases of food, clothing, fuel, and seeds.
The very existence of the Greek state is today threatened by the terrorist activities of several thousand armed men, led by Communists, who defy the government's authority. . . . Greece must have assistance if it is to become a self-supporting and self-respecting democracy. The United States must supply this assistance. . . . No other nation is willing and able to provide the necessary support for a democratic Greek government.
One of the primary objectives of the foreign policy of the United States is the creation of conditions in which we and other nations will be able to work out a way of life free from coercion.
It is necessary only to glance at a map to realize that the survival and integrity of the Greek nation are of grave importance in a much wider situation. If Greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, Turkey, would be immediate and serious. Confusion and disorder might well spread throughout the entire Middle East. . . . Should we fail to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far reaching to the West as well as to the East.
The free peoples of the world look to us for support in maintaining their freedoms. If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of the world. And we shall surely endanger the welfare of this nation.
Great responsibilities have been placed upon us by the swift movement of events."
The very existence of the Greek state is today threatened by the terrorist activities of several thousand armed men, led by Communists, who defy the government's authority. . . . Greece must have assistance if it is to become a self-supporting and self-respecting democracy. The United States must supply this assistance. . . . No other nation is willing and able to provide the necessary support for a democratic Greek government.
One of the primary objectives of the foreign policy of the United States is the creation of conditions in which we and other nations will be able to work out a way of life free from coercion.
It is necessary only to glance at a map to realize that the survival and integrity of the Greek nation are of grave importance in a much wider situation. If Greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, Turkey, would be immediate and serious. Confusion and disorder might well spread throughout the entire Middle East. . . . Should we fail to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far reaching to the West as well as to the East.
The free peoples of the world look to us for support in maintaining their freedoms. If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of the world. And we shall surely endanger the welfare of this nation.
Great responsibilities have been placed upon us by the swift movement of events."
The image to the left provides an example of conditions in which Greek children lived in 1945. These harsh and devastating conditions meant many children were orphaned, and "eighty-five percent suffered from a terrible lung disease, tuberculosis" (Truman Library)
Write down at least 4 specific observations of the photograph. What do these observations suggest to you about conditions in Greece in 1945? |
Document Analysis Questions
- Why is it important to the United States that Greece and Turkey remain economically and politically strong?
- What does Truman mean when he says "nations will be able to work out a way of life free from coercion."? What is he suggesting?
- How does this document portray the role of the United States in the world? Why might this be significant to the Cold War conflict?
Sources Referenced
- United States. Department of State. Office of the Historian. Office of the Historian: The Truman Doctrine. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2015.
- "Harry Truman and the Truman Doctrine." Truman Library - Education Programs. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, n.d. Web. 03 May 2015.
- "Truman Doctrine (1947)." Our Documents. Archives.gov, n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2015.