The US Policy of Containment
The US policy of containment was created during the Cold War with the aim of stopping the spread of communism.
What are some actions that the USA took?
Writing The Long Telegram
It stated that the USSR will attack the USA in an attempt to destroy the traditional way of life.
The USA should become more hostile and defensive
Creating The Truman Doctrine
The Soviet Union restricts freedom and supressess elections, so the USA should support the freedom of all the people.
Greece
In the Greek Civil War, the communists and monarchists were fighting for control over Greece.
Until 1947, the British Soldiers had been supporting the monarchists, but Britain was no longer able to afford to continue to station their soldiers there.
Practicing their policy of containment, the USA paid for the soldiers to keep fighting there and had defeated the communists by 1950.
Speech by General George Marshall
As a result of the war, countries in Eastern Europe are facing hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos.
The USA should assist in the return of Normal economic health by providing loans and financial support.
The USA's Marshall Plan / European Recover Plan (loans)
In total, US$12.5 billion was provided by the USA.
Countries that unsuccessfully applied:
Spain
Switzerland
Countries that were forced to withdraw their applications:
Poland (controlled by USSR)
Czechoslovakia (controlled by USSR)