Module Name: US Foreign Policy and the Cold War, 1943-1991
Module Code: HI2041
The Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine is commonly referred to as a historical catalyst. With the assumed
ultimate aim of “heightening public fears” 1. However, before we divulge into an analysis of
the doctrine itself; it is perhaps wise to first explore what factors led to the emergence of the
doctrine. On a surface level we can recognise the palpable financial effects of World War
Two as a main agency leading to establishment of the doctrine. On a deeper level we can
accredit the fear of Soviet intervention (both on an internal and external level) as a more
pressing motivator for President Truman. Known as the domino theory, President Truman
and members of the United Nations feared that if surrounding realms were to subdue to
Communism (as a result of financial deficiency), the United States may eventually find
herself vulnerable to Soviet influence and intervention. Thus, in theory the doctrine offered
the perfect solution. As not only did the premise of the document offer aid to those vulnerable
to external threats i.e., locations such as Greece and Turkey, the doctrine also took pressure
off these countries previous caregivers who too were struggling as a result of World War
1
Samuel, Kernell. "The Truman Doctrine Speech: A Case Study of the Dynamics of Presidential Opinion
Leadership." Social Science History 1, no. 1 (1976): 20-44. Accessed February 24, 2021. doi:10.2307/1170931.
1
, Two. In this case Greece and Turkey were previously pacified by Great Britain. Who post-
war times could no longer afford to care for these nations2. The doctrine provided these
apparent benefits all while simultaneously moulding a protective shield around the United
States. Both on a national protection and political level. A political level that previously fell
under political scrutiny in previous years for “being soft on communism”. Meaning that the
doctrine also had the potential to sooth public tensions and gain public support in regard to
taking action against Communism3.
Our first point will centre on how the doctrine presents President Truman as an “opinion
leader”. As we have previously touched upon, while the doctrine was intended to scare the
United States public into patriotic infused loyalty it was simultaneously planned to paint
President Truman as a hero like figure coming to his peoples and his nations defence.
Nevertheless, before we investigate how President Truman could generate such public solace
it is important to keep in mind that these illustrations rely dominantly on Revisionist History.
A type of history that “relies heavily upon the assumption that elites could easily manipulate
public opinion”4. Reminding the alleged academic that while these points may seem
plausible there is no real way for one to truly attest or dismiss the value of Revisionist
History. In regard to Truman’s ability to sway public opinion it is beneficial to look into his
own background. Unlike other politicians that we may associate with being predisposed to
wealth and privilege it is interesting to uncover Truman’s humble beginnings.
2
“Causes of the Truman Doctrine”, The Truman Doctrine, accessed February 24, 2021,
https://trumandoctrinewolfpd5.weebly.com/causes-of-the-truman-doctrine.html
3
Kernell, “The Truman Doctrine Speech” 20-44.
4
Kernell, “The Truman Doctrine Speech” 20-44.
2
Module Code: HI2041
The Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine is commonly referred to as a historical catalyst. With the assumed
ultimate aim of “heightening public fears” 1. However, before we divulge into an analysis of
the doctrine itself; it is perhaps wise to first explore what factors led to the emergence of the
doctrine. On a surface level we can recognise the palpable financial effects of World War
Two as a main agency leading to establishment of the doctrine. On a deeper level we can
accredit the fear of Soviet intervention (both on an internal and external level) as a more
pressing motivator for President Truman. Known as the domino theory, President Truman
and members of the United Nations feared that if surrounding realms were to subdue to
Communism (as a result of financial deficiency), the United States may eventually find
herself vulnerable to Soviet influence and intervention. Thus, in theory the doctrine offered
the perfect solution. As not only did the premise of the document offer aid to those vulnerable
to external threats i.e., locations such as Greece and Turkey, the doctrine also took pressure
off these countries previous caregivers who too were struggling as a result of World War
1
Samuel, Kernell. "The Truman Doctrine Speech: A Case Study of the Dynamics of Presidential Opinion
Leadership." Social Science History 1, no. 1 (1976): 20-44. Accessed February 24, 2021. doi:10.2307/1170931.
1
, Two. In this case Greece and Turkey were previously pacified by Great Britain. Who post-
war times could no longer afford to care for these nations2. The doctrine provided these
apparent benefits all while simultaneously moulding a protective shield around the United
States. Both on a national protection and political level. A political level that previously fell
under political scrutiny in previous years for “being soft on communism”. Meaning that the
doctrine also had the potential to sooth public tensions and gain public support in regard to
taking action against Communism3.
Our first point will centre on how the doctrine presents President Truman as an “opinion
leader”. As we have previously touched upon, while the doctrine was intended to scare the
United States public into patriotic infused loyalty it was simultaneously planned to paint
President Truman as a hero like figure coming to his peoples and his nations defence.
Nevertheless, before we investigate how President Truman could generate such public solace
it is important to keep in mind that these illustrations rely dominantly on Revisionist History.
A type of history that “relies heavily upon the assumption that elites could easily manipulate
public opinion”4. Reminding the alleged academic that while these points may seem
plausible there is no real way for one to truly attest or dismiss the value of Revisionist
History. In regard to Truman’s ability to sway public opinion it is beneficial to look into his
own background. Unlike other politicians that we may associate with being predisposed to
wealth and privilege it is interesting to uncover Truman’s humble beginnings.
2
“Causes of the Truman Doctrine”, The Truman Doctrine, accessed February 24, 2021,
https://trumandoctrinewolfpd5.weebly.com/causes-of-the-truman-doctrine.html
3
Kernell, “The Truman Doctrine Speech” 20-44.
4
Kernell, “The Truman Doctrine Speech” 20-44.
2
