Answer:
The policy suggested by Truman in his speech is commonly known as the Truman Doctrine. It was outlined in a speech delivered by President Harry S. Truman to a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947. The main objective of the Truman Doctrine was to contain the spread of communism and prevent its expansion into other countries. Truman proposed that the United States should provide military, economic, and political assistance to countries facing communist threats or aggression. This policy set the stage for the Cold War and became a cornerstone of US foreign policy for decades.
Step-by-step explanation:
Truman promoted the policy of containment and the Truman Doctrine for several reasons. Firstly, he believed that the spread of communism posed a significant threat to global peace and security. The Soviet Union's aggressive actions in Eastern Europe, including the establishment of communist governments in countries like Poland and Czechoslovakia, alarmed Truman and his administration. They saw communism as an ideology that aimed to undermine democratic values, individual freedoms, and capitalism. Secondly, Truman was influenced by the domino theory, which suggested that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would be more vulnerable to communist influence and control. He feared that if the United States did not intervene and provide assistance to countries resisting communism, it could lead to a chain reaction of countries falling under Soviet influence, ultimately threatening American interests and security.
Furthermore, Truman believed that the United States had a moral responsibility to support nations that sought to maintain their independence and resist communist aggression. He framed the policy as a defense of freedom and democracy against totalitarian ideologies Lastly, promoting the Truman Doctrine also served as a means to consolidate the United States' position as a global superpower. By taking a strong stance against communism and offering support to countries in need, Truman aimed to position the United States as the leader of the free world and gain support from other nations that shared similar concerns about the Soviet Union's expansionist ambitions.