Truman – Power hungry or a generous

American?

Marshall Plan Poster: A balloon with the text "free world" sails over Europe. The heading reads 'Peace, Freedom, Prosperity'

A Soviet cartoon depicts a capitalist using a $ club to smash signs and border fences labelled 'sovereignty'

By the end of the lesson I will be able

to……1.Explain what the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Aid was.

2.Explain how such aid was perceived as a threat by Stalin and the USSR.

Task 1 – setting the scene.

It is 1947 and my village is suffering from the after effects of WW2. People are poor and the economy is barely growing as Europe is beginning to feel the cost of 6 years of bitter war. My story is no different to that of many others in Europe. It is not important that you know the country that I’m from or who I am.

News has been spreading that throughout our country, speakers from Truman’s administration, are giving speeches and all are welcome to attend.

As spokesperson for a local workers union I have been asked to attend one of these speeches to hear what America is promising. Relatives of mine have said that Truman has the answers to our problems and that the ’American way of life’ can be a reality for Europeans.

In late December 1947 I attended one such meeting.

A large entourage spoke at length about Europe’s problems and how they could be easily solved. At the same time there was a sinister undertone and Communism was blamed for many of the problems facing Europe, despite the fact that many Communist ideas seem to make sense to me in theory.

As I left the speech hall that night I felt positive about my families future, at least I did until a tall man spoke to me and suggested there was another way.

He pointed out that the American dream was not being lived by many Americans never mind Europeans.

As I walked away he thrust a leaflet into my hand. As I walked home I read the details of the leaflet titled the Communist Utopia.

What do I report back to my union?

The speeches promised a lot but can such promises really materialise?

Communism seems to provide for all but can such a state-run system ever work fairly?

With partner examine the 16 quotes or statements.

Taking on the character you’ve heard about so far

Sort them under the heading of

“most relevant and interesting to your situation” and “least relevant

to your situation” (Remember you are taking on the role of the character I was a few minutes ago so think about what is important to him in his

situation)

Part 2

Read the handout – pages 166 and 167.

Pay special attention to the 4 different viewpoints at

the top of page 167.

Part 2

• Label yourself and partner either A or B.

• Each of you needs to take on the character viewpoint for one of those bullet point statements.

• In character you are going to quickly discuss your view of Truman’s Marshall Aid – you will only get 1 ½ minutes to do this.

• I do not need or want to see you scripting what you say but I would like you to be picking info from pages 166 and 167 to back up you character’s viewpoint.

• You may well be asked to perform your conversation to others.

Truman’s offer – honest or underhand?

•Using the man diagram, complete the thought bubbles that show the variety of opinions that surrounded Truman’s Marshall Aid.

•Pick out details from the text on pages 166 and 167.

Truman’s offer – honest or underhand?

Marshall Aid is a very generous gesture by the Americans………

Marshall Aid is a generous gesture but it isn’t without self –interest………

Marshall Aid is actually an American effort to prevent the spread of communism……...

Marshall Aid is a sinister effort, on behalf of Truman, to threaten Soviet interests………

Truman’s offer – honest or underhand?

Marshall Aid is a very generous gesture by the Americans…… the US is ready and willing to invest $17 billion in Europe and help our shattered economies. The money will be used to help all and will stimulate trade. In the short term the Americans will provide food, machinery, and animals. Those without a history of democracy will be given guidance.

Marshall Aid is a generous gesture but it isn’t without self- interest……… yes Marshall Aid will provide Europe with $17 billion and various short term provisions to improve standards of living, but the Americans are not doing this due to the goodness of their hearts. The American dream is built on consumerism and American businesses need strong European markets to purchase their goods.

Marshall Aid is actually an American effort to prevent the spread of communism…… By offering financial incentives, in the form of aid, Truman is trying to ensure that the countries of Europe remain or become democracies. If lots of countries are democracies then Communism will be far less likely to spread and take hold in Western Europe. Italy and West Germany will provide a Capitalist, democratic buffer zone.

Marshall Aid is a sinister effort, on behalf of Truman, to threaten Soviet interests…This is nothing more than an attempt by Truman and his administration to undermine Stalin and Russia. By providing loans and finance for states that are in need Truman is doing little more than attempting to bribe or buy loyalty. What’s more is that he is doing this right under the nose of Stalin.

We will help to rebuild the roads of Europe so that trade can flow once more.

The water supplies will be guaranteed no matter what country, and no matter how remote.

Essential services will be provided at the earliest opportunity to return people to, in the bare minimum, their old standard of living.

Choice will be available to all. Shops will have the goods that you want to buy.

We will empower your government to make the correct decision on your behalf.

$17 billion will be spent on making Europe prosperous once more.

Food will be provided to your countries at a subsidised rate – no longer will you have to survive on the rations of war.

Animals will be provided to boost your failing agricultural industries and allow you to become self-sufficient once again.

Luxury items will no longer be the preserve of the rich and wealthy. Capitalist system provides for all with drive and ambition.

Our investment will ensure there is employment for all. Higher employment will guarantee an increase in living standards.

“free markets will allow you to get what you deserve and take what is rightfully yours.”

“I will ensure that Europe is no longer ruled by tyrants hell bent on causing war and suffering”.

Why not live in a world where all have equal opportunity.

“I will ensure that your every need is provided for from cradle to grave – all I ask is loyalty to the state”.

Consumer goods are great for the very rich who can afford them. Why not follow our way where wealth is shared equally.

Education and healthcare will be free to all – you need never worry about falling ill again.

The mother state will provide guidance. Our system will be so good you won’t want any other political choices or parties.