Truman's idea that it was the USA's responsibility to prevent the spread of communism around the world

using American influence and military resources to prevent the spread of communism into non-communist countries

an approach to international relations that is based on not getting involved in the affairs of other countries

an American programme of economic aid that aimed to stop the spread of communism by supporting countries to recover from the Second World War

The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan

History

In this unit, pupils studied the events that led to the outbreak of the Cold War. In 'Cold War development: how did the Cold War develop in Asia?', pupils will look at events in China, Korea and Vietnam and how they affected global relations.

In 'USA Civil Rights: how successful was the American civil rights movement?', pupils studied the efforts that different groups in American society made to gain equality. In 'Cold War origins: what led to the breakdown of the 'Grand Alliance'?', pupils will study the events that led to the outbreak of the Cold War.

In this unit, pupils examine the events that led to the breakdown of the Grand Alliance. They learn about the causes of early tension between the USA and the USSR such as the atomic bomb, Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan and the Berlin Crisis of 1948-9.

Cold War origins: what led to the breakdown of the 'Grand Alliance'?

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Truman was concerned that high levels of poverty would allow {{}} to spread more easily in post-war Europe.

US policy to prevent the spread of communism.

US policy of not getting involved in the affairs of other countries.

US programme of aid that aimed to stop the spread of communism.

Truman's idea that it was the US' responsibility to prevent communism.

Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

In response to the Marshall Plan, Stalin established Comecon in 1947 and {{}} in 1949.

After seven years of war, Britain was almost bankrupt.

After six years of war, Britain was almost bankrupt.

After six years of war, Britain wanted to become isolationist.

After five years of war, Britain was focusing on domestic issues.

Why was Britain unable to financially support post-war recovery in Western Europe like Truman hoped?

How much aid did Truman announce the US was sending to Greece and Turkey in March 1947?

What was the official name of the Marshall Plan?

What was Stalin determined to create in Eastern Europe to protect the USSR against future attack?

Which word describes a government in which two or more political parties work together to run a country?

Which of the following countries were occupied by the Red Army by the time of the Potsdam Conference in July 1945? 

Coalition governments were set up so communists shared power with other parties.

The communists took over key areas that would allow them to control the country.

The communists intimidated/attacked their opponents so they were forced to flee.

Rigged elections were held to ensure the communists won.

Put the following methods of Soviet takeover of Eastern European governments in order, starting with the earliest.

At Yalta and Potsdam, Stalin secured a large amount of land in eastern Poland.

Many Poles hated/feared the USSR and were angry about the lost territory.

At Yalta and Tehran, Stalin secured a large amount of land in western Poland.

Many Russians hated/feared Poland and were angry about the lost territory.

Why did Stalin have to use rigged elections in Poland to ensure a communist government?

Britain was a threat to freedom and world peace.

The USA was a threat to freedom and world peace.

The USSR was a threat to freedom and world peace.

What view did Winston Churchill present in his 'Iron Curtain' speech in 1946?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.