Harry Truman 1945-53
What most influenced Truman's support of the French efforts in Indochina?
Background: In this era, Harry Truman leads the United States out of WWII and into the Cold War. His "get tough" policy with Stalin led to the economic support of both Greece and Turkey and the Marshall Plan. Once Mao came to power in China and the Soviets tested their first atomic bomb, Truman was convinced to establish a "defensive perimeter" that would extend to Asia. The Korean War became the first setting where American ground troops would do battle against communist aggression.
Documents:
Questions for Examination:
- How did US characterize communism in the post-WWII era?
- How was Ho Chi Minh to be perceived by American leaders? (also see Ho Chi Minh)
- Given the success of economic influence elsewhere, would it make sense to continue a policy of supporting allies who fought communist expansion in an effort to avoid the commitment of American troops?
- With political pressure at home, could Truman have made a different decision?
On February 28 1946 Ho Chi Minh telegrammed Harry Truman pleading with the President to stop aid to the French and to support Vietnamese independence in accordance with the Atlantic Charter.
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In these Herblock Cartoons, one can see the influence of McCarthyism on the the political climate. The fallout from not looking tough on Communism could lead to short political career.
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