Truman Doctrine
From Conservapedia
The Truman Doctrine was proclaimed on March 12, 1947 by President Harry Truman in a speech before Congress. Truman said that the United States would give economic and military aid to Turkey and Greece, nations who were ongoing struggles against communism. The doctrine was part of an effort called containment. It was meant to prevent the continued expansion of Soviet influence, in this case particularly in the Middle East.
Before the proclamation of the Truman Doctrine, only British troops and money were blocking the U.S.S.R.'s expansion in this region. Using this doctrine, Truman was able to approve the sending of $400 million of financial aid and military supervisors to those threatened countries. This move also provided relief to the English treasury.
The Truman Doctrine resulted in the end of passive United States foreign policy to more aggressive containment. Some scholars correlate the date of the beginning of the Cold War with the introduction of this doctrine.
