Truman and the Containment Policy

The origins of the Cold War were shaped by a variety of events and decisions made by both the United States and the Soviet Union in the post-World War II era. As these two superpowers emerged, they held conflicting ideologies: capitalism and democracies in the United States versus communism and a one-party state in the Soviet Union. Key policies implemented during this period would further entrench this ideological battle. One such significant policy was articulated by U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who believed that the United States had a responsibility to contain the spread of communism globally.

In 1947, the U.S. adopted a strategic approach that aimed to prevent Soviet influence from expanding, leading to notable events such as the establishment of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan. To understand the motivations behind these moves, one must analyze the broader context of international relations and domestic pressures faced by both nations. Considering this background, which of the following best characterizes the immediate post-war strategy employed by the United States in response to Soviet expansionism?