Question

Read this excerpt from the State Department website about the Truman Doctrine.

The Truman Doctrine arose from a speech delivered by President Truman before a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947. The immediate cause for the speech was a recent announcement by the British Government that, as of March 31, it would no longer provide military and economic assistance to the Greek Government in its civil war against the Greek Communist Party. Truman asked Congress to support the Greek Government against the Communists. He also asked Congress to provide assistance for Turkey, since that nation, too, had previously been dependent on British aid.

Which information is important to include in notes for an essay on ways the United States fought the Cold War?

The speech was delivered on March 12, 1947.
The British stopped giving aid to Greece and Turkey on March 31, 1947.
Truman asked Congress to give aid to Greece and Turkey to stop the spread of communism.
The Truman Doctrine was part of a speech that was delivered to a joint session of Congress.

Answer 1

Include items 2 and 3.

- The British stopping aid to Greece/Turkey (item 2) explains why the U.S. stepped in.
- Truman asking Congress to give aid to Greece and Turkey to stop the spread of communism (item 3) shows the containment policy (use of economic/military aid) — a key Cold War strategy.

Item 1 (the March 12 speech date) is a minor detail you can add if you need a timeline; item 4 (that it was to a joint session) is not important for an essay about how the U.S. fought the Cold War.