The Truman Doctrine
In the years following the Second World War, the Soviet Union sought to spread its influence and
authority throughout the European continent. Some nations also experienced communist insurgencies;
in Europe, Greece and Turkey in particular were in danger of being taken over by communist groups and
falling under the sway of the Soviet Union.
In response to this danger, President Truman proposed in 1947 that the United States should take over
Great Britain’s role of providing financial aid to Greece, and also proposed that the United States
financially assist Turkey as well in order to prevent the communist insurgencies from succeeding.
Read (or listen to – link was in your lesson 8 folder) President Truman’s speech to Congress requesting
financial assistance for Greece and Turkey, then answer the following questions. You can manipulate
the document and drop your answers right under each question. Save the document and then attach it
and submit it to the drop box.
http://www.socialstudies.com/article.html?article@truman_doctrine
1. Truman addressed a “joint session” of Congress (both the House and the Senate) regarding this
crisis. What evidence did he give to suggest that Greece was in extreme need of assistance?
2. Give examples of how Truman describes the insurgents who wanted to overthrow the Greek
government and replace it with a communist regime.
3. Why did Truman recommend the United States take on the financial responsibility of aiding
Greece, rather than having Britain or the United Nations do so?
4. Truman also made note of the situation in Turkey. According to Truman, how was the situation
in Turkey different from that in Greece? In what ways was it the same?
5. In his address, Truman noted that “every nation must choose between alternative ways of life.
The choice is too often not a free one.” What choice does Truman describe?
6. Truman notes, “I believe it must be the policy of the United States to support free people who
are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures. I believe that
we must assist free people to work out their own destinies in their own way.” How did Truman
suggest the U.S. should assist nations to achieve this goal? In your view, is this a good policy in
general? Explain your view.
7. What amount did Truman request Congress provide for assistance to Greece and Turkey? What
other requests did Truman make of Congress regarding these two nations?
8. Why did Truman contend that it was the United States’ obligation to provide this assistance?
9. In his speech, Truman noted that “If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of
the world – and we will surely endanger the welfare of our own nation.” In your own words,
describe what you think Truman meant by that statement.
10. In your view, should Truman have added more conditions regarding how Greece and Turkey
were to use the financial assistance? What guarantees could he have made to Congress to
ensure that the funds would have been used in the right way, or that the assistance would have
effectively reduced the threat of a communist takeover in Greece and Turkey? In a paragraph,
explain your answer.