How had U.S. policy toward Europe changed by the end of 1947? Why did this change occur?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truman_Doctrine
To understand how U.S. policy toward Europe changed by the end of 1947, we need to look at the historical context. After World War II, Europe was devastated, both economically and politically. In order to rebuild and stabilize the region, the United States played a significant role through its foreign policy approach.
At the end of the war, the U.S. implemented the Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program (ERP), which was announced in June 1947. The Marshall Plan was designed to provide economic assistance to war-torn European countries to help them recover and prevent the spread of communism. The initial focus of U.S. policy was on economic recovery and providing aid to rebuild Europe.
However, by the end of 1947, U.S. policy had shifted from just providing economic aid to taking a more active role in European affairs. There were a few key reasons for this change:
1. The Soviet Union's increasing influence: As the post-war power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union intensified, the U.S. grew concerned about Soviet expansionism and the spread of communism in Europe. The Soviet Union had increased its control over Eastern Europe and established pro-communist governments, leading to heightened tensions.
2. The Berlin Blockade: In 1948, the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin, cutting off essential supplies and trying to force the Allies out of the city. The U.S. responded by launching the Berlin Airlift, delivering supplies to West Berlin by air. This marked a significant shift in U.S. policy, as it demonstrated a willingness to defend and support its allies in the face of Soviet aggression.
3. The creation of NATO: In April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established, forming a collective defense alliance between the U.S. and several European countries. NATO was a response to Soviet expansionism and a commitment by the U.S. to protect its European allies from potential Soviet aggression.
These developments signaled a shift in U.S. policy toward Europe. The focus changed from purely economic assistance to a more comprehensive approach that included military support, defense alliances, and containment of Soviet influence. The United States became more actively engaged in European affairs to counter the Soviet threat and safeguard its interests.
In conclusion, U.S. policy toward Europe changed by the end of 1947 as a response to the increasing influence of the Soviet Union, the Berlin Blockade, and the establishment of NATO. The United States shifted from providing economic aid to taking a more active role in defending and supporting its European allies in the face of Soviet aggression.