Stop Thirteen: House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Responding to the emerging crisis in Greece and Turkey, President Truman outlined a new course for future American policy. Although initially directed solely at European nations struggling through political instability in the post-war world, Truman’s “doctrine” would eventually spread to crises in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Primary Source: Special Message to the Congress on Greece and Turkey: The Truman Doctrine,” 12 Mar 1947, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1947 (Washington DC: GPO, 1963) 176-180.
“At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is too often not a free one. One way of life is based upon the will of the majority, and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression. The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio, fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedoms.
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. I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way…. I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid, which is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes…
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. Moreover, the disappearance of Greece as an independent state would have a profound effect upon those countries in Europe whose peoples are struggling against great difficulties to maintain their freedoms and their independence while they repair the damages of war….
In addition to funds, I ask the Congress to authorize the detail of American civilian and military personnel to Greece and Turkey, at the request of those countries, to assist in the tasks of reconstruction, and for the purpose of supervising the use of such financial and material assistance as may be furnished….
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.”
Analysis Questions:
Primary Source: Special Message to the Congress on Greece and Turkey: The Truman Doctrine,” 12 Mar 1947, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1947 (Washington DC: GPO, 1963) 176-180.
“At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is too often not a free one. One way of life is based upon the will of the majority, and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression. The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio, fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedoms.
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. I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way…. I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid, which is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes…
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. Moreover, the disappearance of Greece as an independent state would have a profound effect upon those countries in Europe whose peoples are struggling against great difficulties to maintain their freedoms and their independence while they repair the damages of war….
In addition to funds, I ask the Congress to authorize the detail of American civilian and military personnel to Greece and Turkey, at the request of those countries, to assist in the tasks of reconstruction, and for the purpose of supervising the use of such financial and material assistance as may be furnished….
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.”
Analysis Questions:
- How does Truman describe the circumstances in Greece and Turkey?
- How, specifically, does Truman reference the actions of the Soviet Union?
- Does Truman present American action as offensive or defensive? What words or phrases support your choice?
- What potential negative consequences are to this new doctrine of foreign policy?