Primary Source Essentials: The Truman Doctrine

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Welcome to "Primary Source Essentials." In this episode, we will briefly discuss the Truman Doctrine and how it expanded American global commitments to preserving democracy during the Cold War. In the years after World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a struggle for domination called "the Cold War." The United States wanted to spread freedom, democracy, and free enterprise around the world. The Soviet Union, meanwhile, established totalitarian control in Eastern Europe, supported communist movements in Western Europe, and pressured Turkey for bases in the Turkish Straits. When the British informed the United States that they could no longer afford to fight a communist insurgency in Greece, President Harry Truman asked Congress to send aid to Greece and Turkey and commit to supporting all free peoples resisting communism as part of a policy of containment of Soviet expansion. President Truman told Congress that the United States was the only country willing and able to provide assistance to Greece and Turkey to halt the spread of communism. He argued that aid fit in well with an American foreign policy based upon the principle of supporting free government and self-determination for people around the globe. Truman said, "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." The United States sent $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey to preserve democracy and secure these strategically important areas. So, the Truman Doctrine had an expansive vision of American foreign policy that was part of the growing U.S. commitment to contain Soviet expansion around the globe during the Cold War. Thanks for watching, and check out the other videos in "Primary Source Essentials."

(Describer) ‘Bill of Rights Institute. We Teach Civics. Hosted by Tony Williams. www dot My B R I dot org.’ Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

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"Primary Source Essentials: The Truman Doctrine" offers a concise exploration of the Truman Doctrine's historical significance. Originating in the post-World War II era, this pivotal policy marked the United States' commitment to preventing the spread of communism during the Cold War. The video emphasizes President Harry Truman's call for aiding Greece and Turkey to counter communist influence, laying the groundwork for U.S. foreign policy focused on containment. Key educational concepts include democracy, totalitarianism, and global geopolitics, presented in an engaging manner suitable for school-aged audiences. The video highlights Truman's belief in supporting free peoples against subjugation by armed minorities or external pressure, underscoring the importance of safeguarding democracy globally. Through $400 million in aid, the United States sought to secure strategically significant regions, illustrating the expansive vision of American foreign policy. This video serves as a fundamental resource for understanding Cold War dynamics and U.S. international involvement.