Truman and the Policy of Containment
- After World War II, President Harry S. Truman adopted a policy of containment, aiming to prevent the spread of communism beyond areas already under Soviet control.
- In the Americas, this policy shaped U.S. relations with Latin America, emphasizing loyalty to the Western bloc and discouraging socialist or nationalist movements.
- The Truman Doctrine (1947) and Marshall Plan (1948) symbolized the global side of containment, but their logic extended to the Western Hemisphere, linking aid to anti-communist alignment.
- The Organization of American States (OAS, 1948) strengthened hemispheric security and gave the U.S. a framework to justify involvement in Latin American affairs.
Definition
Containment
- The strategy of stopping communist expansion through alliances, aid, and limited military action.
| Policy | Main Goal | How It Worked |
|---|---|---|
| Truman Doctrine (1947) | Stop the spread of communism by supporting countries under threat. | Gave military and financial aid to nations like Greece and Turkey to resist communist movements. |
| Marshall Plan (1948) | Rebuild Europe’s economy to prevent communist influence. | Provided economic aid to Western European countries to help them recover after World War II. |
The Rise of McCarthyism and Its Effects
Domestic Impact
- Senator Joseph McCarthy (1950–1954) claimed that communists had infiltrated the U.S. government, sparking a wave of fear and suspicion known as the Red Scare.
- The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigated Hollywood, universities, and unions; many people were blacklisted or lost jobs.
- Political debate narrowed. Any criticism of government or foreign policy was often labeled “un-American.”
Definition
McCarthyism
- The practice of accusing individuals of disloyalty or subversion without solid evidence, creating an atmosphere of fear.
Foreign Policy Impact
