Setting the StageTruman Administration

Foreign Aid Programs

The Truman Doctrine

“Saving” Greece and Turkey

Context Focus was Greece Uncertainty;

despair Need for stability to

make U.S. aid effective

Emphasis on “self-help” and responsibility

British withdrawal

Message Principle, not

specifics Economic disorder

and its consequences

Bipolar worldview Cost small

compared to return Only U.S. in

position to step in

Mechanics $400 mil ($341 bil) “Detail of American

civilian and military personnel”

Support for U.S. way of life elsewhere

Activist foreign policy

Outcomes

The Marshall Plan“Saving” Western

Europe

Context “The recovery of

Europe has been far slower than had been expected. Disintegrating forces are becoming evident. The patient is sinking while the doctors deliberate.”

“Hopeless and hungry people often resort to desperate measures.”

Message Combat “hunger,

poverty, desperation, and chaos.”

“Permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist.”

“A cure rather than a mere palliative.”

Mechanics Economic resources

to support U.S. foreign policy

$13 bil Built on Truman

Doctrine National security

measure

Outcomes

Point Four“Saving” Asia, Africa,

and Latin America

Context Cold War focus

shifting away from Europe

Poverty, disease, hunger, illiteracy, lack of skills and capital

Continuing recognition of importance of fostering hope

Message Economic realities Relied on U.S.

superiority Shift from East-West

to North-South Built on Marshall

Plan “We cannot live

isolated in relative wealth and abundance.”

Mechanics Multi-faceted

internal bureaucracy Work with UN Private entity

involvement Move away from

direct assistance Country-specific

projects based on need

Outcomes