LAD #29: Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine was an American foreign policy designed to contain Communism by giving Greece and Turkey economic aid. This would help both countries and try and keep them out of the Soviet sphere. He asked for a $400 million dollar aid in order to help these countries; Truman said the U.S. must help "free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures." Truman set out in writing and delivering this doctrine because no other country was willing to stand up and fight against Communism, so that it would not spread to the Soviet Union's neighbors, especially. He wrote this as if it were the responsibility of the entire nation, in order to preserve the freedoms that we had fought so hard for in the past. He ended this doctrine with four sentences that were intended to motivate the country to stand behind Truman and believe that his ideas for intervention were worthwhile: "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.
Great responsibilities have been placed upon us by the swift movement of events.
I am confident that the Congress will face these responsibilities squarely."