The document summarizes the reaction of Western powers, particularly the United States, to Soviet domination of Eastern Europe following World War II. Initially, the West accepted limited Soviet influence but grew alarmed as the USSR took complete control. By 1948, all of Eastern Europe had become communist except Greece and Czechoslovakia. The US feared further spread of communism and the Truman Doctrine was developed to contain Soviet expansion and support countries resisting communism, such as Greece.

1. The Reaction of the West

2. Soviets in Eastern Europe Western Powers understood need for some soviet influence Accepted USSR needed security Agreed E Europe would be Soviet ‘sphere of influence’ Alarmed at USSR’s complete domination Believed democratic gov’ts that were friendly to USSR were possible in E Europe Stalin saw moves as giving USSR security Truman saw them as spreading Communism 1948: E Europe turns red Only Greece & Czechoslovakia not Communist US feared spread of Communism to (F) & Italy Events in Greece & Czech effected US policy Police performing Every Move You Make

3. Do these two political cartoons have the same message? Explain.

4. Activity: Soviet Political Cartoon Men: Design a Soviet cartoon or poster commenting on the USSR’s actions. It could either: Attack the attitudes of the West Justify and explain Soviet actions You will have 15 minutes Blank paper & drawing materials will be at the front of the room Cartoon from a book called A Shattering Blow by Boris Efimov, Plakat, Moscow, 1985. The caption reads: "Radio Liberty and Radio Free Europe - These two old toads love croaking loudly. Their base in an old rubbish bin containing provocations, lies, slander, inventions The Russian folksong Volga Boatsman , sung by the Soviet Army Choir

5. Greece 1944: Nazis leave Two Greek groups wanted to rule: Monarchists & Communists 1945: Churchill sent (E) troops Churchill claimed it was to restore order In fact, it was to support Monarchists 1946: USSR protests USSR protested to UN that (E) threatened peace in Greece. UN did nothing Communists in (G) began civil war 1947: (E) is broke, bankrupt 24 Feb: (E) announced it will pull out troops Truman paid for (E) troops Monarchists stay in power, though weak You are listening to Mikis Theodorakis performing Zorba the Greek

6. The Truman Doctrine US intervention in Greece marked new era ‘ Truman Doctrine’ born US prepared to send $$$ , equipment or advice to any countries threatened by Communism Goal: stop the spread of Communism ‘ Containment’, George F. Kennan ‘ Truman Doctrine’ really Kennan’s ‘containment’ Some gov’t officials wanted containment to include active US military force against Soviet expansion Korean War would be first use of US troops You are listening to excerpts from President Truman’s March 12 1947 ‘Truman Doctrine’ speech to a Joint Session of Congress. It clearly outlines the concept of ‘containment’.

7. Activity: USA Political Cartoon Women: Design a USA cartoon or poster summarizing the Truman Doctrine. It could either: Attack the attitudes of the USSR Justify and explain US actions You have 15 minutes Blank paper & drawing materials are at the front of the room Smashmouth sings All Star

8. Fin