What is the Origin of this speech (when was it given, where, and by whom)? Honors: When it comes to the truth about US Foreign Policy during the Cold War, how does the origin add value to the document and in what ways does it serve as a limitation? When the president claims that he will “not allow totalitarian regimes imposed on free people to undermine the foundations of international peace,” to what “regime” or country is he referring? Truman claims that if the US “fai[s]l to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far reaching.” Do you agree? Is it true that the “free peoples of the world look to [the US] for support in maintaining their freedoms?” Key Question: How did the Truman Doctrine define American foreign policy toward ensuring freedom around the world?
Activity #3 - Reading: The Truman Doctrine
Carefully read the passage below, then respond to the questions:
Truman’s speech before Congress, 12 March 1947
The governments of Greece and Turkey have asked the United States for immediate financial and economic assistance. Without our help, Greece and Turkey will not survive as free nations. The very existence of Greece is threatened by 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. Turkey must keep their national integrity, and that integrity is essential to the preservation of order in the Middle East. The United States must supply that assistance. We are the only democratic nation that can help.
One of the primary objectives of the foreign policy of the United States is the creation of a world where all nations can live free from coercion. We will not allow totalitarian regimes imposed on free people to undermine the foundations of international peace and the security of the United States.
It is necessary only to glance at a map to realize that the survival and integrity of Greece is part of a larger 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. Collapse of free institutions and loss of independence would be disastrous not only for them but for the world. Neighboring countries would be unable to maintain their freedom and independence. 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 our own nation.
- What is the Origin of this speech (when was it given, where, and by whom)?
Honors: When it comes to the truth about US Foreign Policy during the Cold War, how does the origin add value to the document and in what ways does it serve as a limitation?
- When the president claims that he will “not allow totalitarian regimes imposed on free people to undermine the foundations of international peace,” to what “regime” or country is he referring?
- Truman claims that if the US “fai[s]l to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far reaching.” Do you agree? Is it true that the “free peoples of the world look to [the US] for support in maintaining their freedoms?”
Key Question: How did the Truman Doctrine define American foreign policy toward ensuring freedom around the world?
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