To What Extent Did Communism And The Containment Policy...

To what extent did communist ideology lead to Truman s containment policy? The great historian and moralist Lord Acton once stated; â€Å"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.† The context of his statement was likely directed toward monarchies of the 1800’s but, his words speak truth that resonates still today. The opposing political ideologies of communism and capitalism both seek to balance power, promote fairness, and limit corruption. Both ideologies have very different paths to achieve this goal and every different social political, and economic organization. Communism is defined as a way of constructing a specific society where government owns the economy, there is no privately owned property, and total government control often implemented by force. Capitalism is the exact opposite because it is based on private ownership and an economy that is based on private production for profit supported by the value of personal freedom. The world is becoming a global economy and the ideology that dominates the globe wil l put countries that support it at an advantage. Communism often violent intolerance for what they think is ultimately destructive capitalism seems irrational. The prevent possible war by war or revolution seems like a struggle for absolute power. Harry S. Truman, wrote one of the most notable containment policies to try to contain communism; this document is called the Truman Doctrine. Specifically, to what extent did communistShow MoreRelatedThe Cold War: A New History by John Lewis Gaddis831 Words   |  4 PagesWith this book, a major element of American history was analyzed. The Cold War is rampant with American foreign policy and influential in shaping the modern world. Strategies of Containment outlines American policy from the end of World War II until present day. Gaddis outlines the policies of presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, including policies influenced by others such as George Kennan, John Dulles, and Henry Kissinger. The author, John Lew is Gaddis has written many booksRead MoreThe 70s Are Not Totally Happy `` Days1667 Words   |  7 Pageselsewhere. President John F. Kennedy implemented an effective defense strategy. President Kennedy s dedication to domestic policy initiatives. Johnson carried a particularly strong record on civil rights. After first evading civil rights issues, Kennedy responded to the calls of civil rights advocates. But, as president, Johnson plunged ahead with domestic reform, Congress did not act on the bill, but the civil rights movement intensified. When John F. Kennedy became president in 1961, African AmericansRead More2 Years After World War 2 A New Enemy Was Rising That Was1613 Words   |  7 Pages2 years after World War 2 a new enemy was rising that was not just a country or person but communism. Following the end of WW2, the Soviets were spreading their new ideology to several small countries from Poland to north Korea. As communism gained in popularity the US became increasingly c oncerned about a potential fall in capitalism and democracy. This fear resulted in the Cold War: a social, political, economic conflict between the US and the USSR. The Cold War lasted 44 years and 9 differentRead MoreTo What Extent Was the United States of America Responsible for the Collapse of the Grand Alliance?1727 Words   |  7 PagesTo what extent was the United States of America responsible for the collapse of the Grand Alliance? A capitalist state, a Communist state and a colonial power all joined power during World War II and formed the Grand Alliance. The United Stated which was led by Franklin Roosevelt, the Soviet Union which was led by Joseph Stalin and Great Britain which was led by Winston Churchill united powers as they all shared one main objective. The three leaders were famously known as the big three, they allRead MoreTo What Extent Was the Cold War Inevitable? Essay1178 Words   |  5 PagesTo What Extent Was the Cold War Inevitable? With the end of World War II (WWII) in 1945 began the Cold War, an international conflict that lasted from 1947–1991 and plagued nations across the globe. As the post-war negotiations were deliberated by three of the strongest world powers, the United States (US), Britain, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), disagreements arose that created tension between the US and the USSR and ultimately instigated the infamous â€Å"Fifty Years War† (CrockattRead MoreWas the Cold War Truly a Cold War? Essay examples1492 Words   |  6 PagesThe ‘Cold War’ is one of the most interesting ‘wars’ fought in world history. The sheer number of countries both directly and indirectly involved is enough to pose the question – To what extent was the Cold War a truly Global War? This essay will examine this idea. It will identify two main areas of argument, focusing on the earlier part of the conflict (1945-1963). Firstly it will examine the gr owing US and Soviet influence in the world post 1945. Secondly it will examine three main conflicts, theRead MoreTruman Doctrine1575 Words   |  7 PagesAll things in history have a place and time. In fact we are history. Had it not been for the previous events in world history, our existence could have been questionable. What would have happened if Hitler did take over the world? Would we be alive today? What if the cold war turned hot at some point? All these doubts tend to help an individual realize that everything in world history happens for a specific reason and therefore everything has its own time and place. One significant event in UnitedRead MoreThe Achievements Of Truman s Presidency1560 Words   |  7 Pagesfocus on both national policies and rulings that were aimed towards a nationalist improvement, Truman’s term as president also encompassed a series of foreign incidents and consequential outcomes. Of the two – domestically and abroad - it is doubtles s for modern scholars to now reflect upon this period of time for both its former effect on the American homeland and the results of its lasting values. Of Truman’s various contributions to American history, the most recognized extent of his initial actionsRead MoreTruman s Foreign Policy On President Of The United States2120 Words   |  9 Pageshis domestic policy certainly did not help him, Truman’s foreign policy, the most famous, or infamous, depending on how one looks at it, was the most influential with the public. The anti-communist fervor in the United States, coupled with a few other factors, led to the Truman Administration’s increasingly unpopular actions in its foreign policy. The main causes of Truman’s unpopularity in his second term as president were rooted in his anti-communist and imperialist foreign policy towards the endRead MoreNgo Dinh Diem And The Vietnam War Essay956 Words   |  4 Pagesto be the leader of the South Vietnamese government, declaring the Republic of Vietnam and cancelling the scheduled elections in 1956. However, his governance proved to be very unpopular, demonst rating corruption and persecution. In general, his policies were created to eliminate communists from South Vietnam, which he referred to as â€Å"Viet Cong†, but resulted in an increase of sympathy for these communists and led them to form the National Liberation Front (NLF), as a representative of a united front