I'm beginning a little writing project (reflection) on the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, or the Korean War—and decide whether or not the events related to that topic reflected or did not reflect the U.S. policy of containment. So If anyone can give me a little information on these topics and as to what outline I could use that would be the most explainatory ? (:

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anonymous · Answer

Here are a few links from the State Department to help you out: Truman Doctrine Summary http://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/TrumanDoctrine Marshall Plan http://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/MarshallPlan Berlin Crises (includes part on the Airlift) http://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/BerlinCrises Korean War http://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/KoreanWar2 The running theme throughout these points is that both the West (as represented by the United States and its allies) and the East (as represented by the Soviet Union and its own allies) is that there were many actions initiated to contain the other. Truman sought to support Greece against Communism with a massive influx of cash and material. The Marshall Plan assisted with the reconstruction of post-war Europe while at the same time strengthening it against the Iron Curtain. The Berlin Crises, such as the Airlift, proved that the Soviets were also keen in checking the West's efforts when they decided to cut off the city forcing the US and its allies to adopt an airlift to supply its citizens. The Korean War and its aftermath was also waged largely along ideological lines - Communists in the North, Democracy in the South. Today, it's a conflict that still simmers along the 38th parallel splitting Korea in two. The US and its allies sought to check the spread of Communism in as many ways as possible - by sending military advisors to threatened nations, material to aid rebels fighting Soviet-friendly regimes, etc. - while the Soviet Union had also tried to do the same.