Developing tensions: the Soviet Union occupation/control of eastern and southern Europe; Kennan's Long Telegram; the Iron Curtain speech; Cominform; the Greek Civil War and the Truman Doctrine on containment
Between 1945 and 1947, the USSR tightened its grip on Eastern Europe. The USA responded with warnings, speeches and a formal policy to stop communism spreading further.
Real World
In Greece, a brutal civil war raged from 1946 between communist guerrillas and the Western-backed government; Britain admitted it could no longer fund the fight, prompting Truman to go directly to Congress and announce the doctrine bearing his name.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'assess' the Truman Doctrine, link it explicitly to the specific country (Greece) that triggered it — vague answers about 'containing communism' lose marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?