Document 5: The Truman Doctrine
PRESIDENT TRUMAN’S ADDRESS BEFORE CONGRESS, MARCH 12, 1947
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 aggression. Our victory was won over countries which sought to impose their will, and their way of life, upon other nations.
We shall not realize our objectives, however, unless we are willing to help free peoples to maintain their free institutions and their national integrity against aggressive movements that seek to impose upon them totalitarian regimes.
The peoples of a number of countries of the world have recently had totalitarian regimes forced upon them against their will. The Government of the United States has made frequent protests against coercion and intimidation, in violation of the Yalta agreement.
I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted conquest 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.
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. I am confident that the Congress will face these responsibilities squarely.
-
According to Truman, what should America’s foreign policy goals be?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
-
How does President Truman plan to achieve his goals?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
