How did Truman’s attitude toward the Soviet Union change between 1946 and 1951

President Harry S. Truman confronted unprecedented challenges in international affairs during his nearly eight years in office.

Explanation:

The Truman Doctrine was informally extended to become the basis of American Cold War policy throughout Europe and around the world. It shifted American foreign policy toward the Soviet Union from détente (a relaxation of tension) to a containment of Soviet expansion as advocated by diplomat George Kennan.

In his 1946 speech, Truman mentioned that the allied powers, including the Soviet Union, were unanimously working toward promoting peace and freedom of expression in the world. The following lines from the 1946 speech support this point:

Early in 1945, at Yalta, the three major powers broadened and solidified this base of understanding. There fundamental decisions were reached concerning the occupation and control of Germany. There also a formula was arrived at for the interim government of the areas in Europe, which were rapidly being wrested, from Nazi control. This formula was based on the policy of the United States that people be permitted to choose their own form of government by their own freely expressed choice without interference from any foreign source.

However, in his 1951 speech, Truman seems to be thoroughly disappointed with the Soviet Union’s agenda to expand its territory. He openly criticizes the leaders of the Soviet Union for their expansionist policies. The following lines from the 1951 speech support this point:

We had hoped that the Soviet Union, with its security assured by the Charter of the United Nations, would be willing to live and let live. But, I am sorry to say that has not been the case. The imperialism of the czars has been replaced by the even more ambitious, more crafty, and more menacing imperialism of the rulers of the Soviet Union.

This is the right answer for Edmentum and Plato users.

Like and Rate!

1920 census

2010 census

b. 155 enlisted men and no officers