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Handout C: The Truman Doctrine Speech

Introduction: After the victory in World War II, the United States and Soviet Union, who were formally allies, quickly entered a new “cold war.” As other nations were on the verge of creating communist governments under the influence of the Soviets, President Truman needed to decide how the country should respond.  

 

The United States has received from the Greek Government an urgent appeal for financial and economic assistance. Preliminary reports…corroborate the statement of the Greek Government that assistance is imperative if Greece is to survive as a free nation… 

 The very existence of the Greek state is today threatened by the terrorist activities of several thousand armed men, led by Communists… 

One of the primary objectives of the foreign policy of the United States is the creation of conditions in which we and other nations will be able to work out a way of life free from coercion. This was a fundamental issue in the war with Germany and Japan. Our victory was won over countries which sought to impose their will, and their way of life, upon other nations… 

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 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.