Truman Doctrine

Evaluate how Truman seeks to shape perceptions of the Greek Civil War through his presentation of the Greek government and the Communist Party of Greece.

How and why does Truman use appeals to both emotion and logic during his speech?

Consider Truman’s discussion of both Greece and Turkey. How do they differ, and why does he draw comparisons between them?

Truman references the United Nations several times in his speech. How does he justify the world leadership of the United States, and how does he present the relationship between the United Nations and the United States as a world leader?

Evaluate how Truman may have wanted this speech to be received by Soviet leadership. Which elements can be seen as a provocation, and how does Truman limit escalation within it?

Truman’s Secretary of State, George Marshall, criticized the speech for containing too much “rhetoric.” What purpose does the excess of rhetoric (emotive language and exaggeration) serve in the speech and why would this be criticized?

Truman references the Second World War a number of times in his speech. Analyze the rhetorical role of these references, and consider why he chooses to discuss the Second World War over any other event in American history.

Choose two literary devices Truman employs in his speech. Discuss the purpose and effectiveness of them. Make sure to consider the audience of post-World War II-era Americans.