Following World War II, President Truman issued his Truman Doctrine to Congress. In this address, he urged representatives to support a plan to provide economic and military aid to Greece and Turkey to assist in their reconstruction. Great Britain, an American ally throughout the war and a supporter of capitalism and democracy, could no longer afford to finance these nations. Because of this, Truman believed that it was the responsibility of the United States to protect its fundamental ideals overseas. If this aid was not provided, Truman feared that Greece and Turkey- a necessary ally in the Middle East,- would fall to Communism under the influence of the Soviet Union. This could not be tolerated. According to Truman, radical Communists were already gaining influence in these areas and were preying upon the insecurities of the peoples and governments there. If these countries succumbed to their influence, their neighbors would surely follow. In this way, American financial aid would not only bolster the economies of Greece and Turkey by allowing them to import the materials necessary to sustain and rebuild their populations, but would also secure a foothold for future American influence. The Truman Doctrine would be one of the United States' first steps towards becoming an international police force and benefactor.
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