The First Test

DOCUMENT #13A: The Truman Doctrine (March 12, 1947)

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Greece was conquered and occupied by Germany during the Second World War. Shortly after, Germany was forced out by the Allies and two groups of Greek freedom fighters--Communists and forces loyal to the old Greek king. The two contingents of Greeks could not agree on how to form the new government, resulting in a civil war. While military aid from the British and a national Greek election restored the monarchy, the Greek Communists refused to acknowledge the government took to the hills and continued the civil war.

President Harry Truman addresses a Joint Session of Congress to ask for funding to aid Greece and Turkey.

The Greek Government has asked for the assistance of experienced American administrators, economists and technicians…the very existence of the Greek state is today threatened by the terrorist activities of several thousand armed men, led by Communists, who defy the government’s authority. …

The future of Turkey as an independent and economically sound state is clearly no less important…

I believe it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are attempted subjugation[1] by armed minorities or by outside pressure. Should we fail to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far-reaching to the West. The seeds of totalitarian regimes are nurtured by misery and want. They spread and grow in the evil soil of poverty and strife. They reach their full growth when the hope of a people for a better life has died. Therefore, I propose giving Greece and Turkey $400 million aid.

QUESTION A: Read Document #13. Explain what the Truman Doctrine is.

Helpful Definitions

[1] Subjugation – to bring under control; to conquer

Source: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/trudoc.asp

Document 13B: "Step on it, Doc!"

Roy Justus, The Minneapolis Star, 1947.

QUESTION B: Review Document #13B. What is the author’s purpose in the “Step on it, Doc!” cartoon?

Document 13C: The Domino Theory

QUESTION C: Observe Document #13C, the “Domino Theory” cartoon. What is the illustration suggesting? How then does it apply to the situation in Greece?

Document 13D: "Mediterranean Patrol"

Wm. H. Summers, Buffalo Evening News.

Hint: Greece and Turkey both countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.

QUESTION D: Observe Document 13D, the “Mediterranean Patrol” cartoon. Explain how this cartoon relates to the Greek Civil War and/or Document #13.

Document 13E: Soviet Cartoon Response to the Truman Doctrine

Source and Date Unknown

QUESTION E: What criticism made by the Soviet Union about American actions in Document 13E?

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QUESTION A: Read Document #13. Explain what the Truman Doctrine is.
QUESTION B: Review Document #13B. What is the author’s purpose in the “Step on it, Doc!” cartoon?
QUESTION C: Observe Document #13C, the “Domino Theory” cartoon. What is the illustration suggesting? How then does it apply to the situation in Greece?
QUESTION D: Observe Document 13D, the “Mediterranean Patrol” cartoon. Explain how this cartoon relates to the Greek Civil War and/or Document #13.
QUESTION E: What criticism made by the Soviet Union about American actions in Document 13E?