Trumans Influence On The Cold War - 1761 Words

The Cold War was a state of political hostility between countries characterised by threats, propaganda, and other measures short of open warfare (Oxford Dictionary of English). President Harry S. Truman had major influence on the continuation of the Cold War in relation to policy, communication and ideology. Truman became President in 1945 after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Truman was known for his tough stance against the Soviet Union and refusal to compromise with Stalin and for his policy of containment in relation to communism. Truman contributed to the beginning of the Cold War and the Truman Doctrine had lasting effect on American foreign policy in the twentieth century. In particular, Truman’s actions in the Potsdam†¦show more content†¦Communication between Truman and Stalin worsened during the conference including major disagreements about the amount Germany would pay in reparations following the war. At the time of the Potsdam Conference, Truman had o nly been President of the United States for three months and historian Steven Waugh claims that Truman had been highly ignorant of foreign affairs and events in Europe at the beginning of his first term in office. It is also stated that Truman had no intention of working closely with Stalin at the Potsdam conference as Roosevelt had done at previous meetings. This lack of will to communicate from Truman at the Potsdam conference heightened tensions between the U.S.A and the U.S.S.R and led to the beginning of the Cold War. President Harry S. Truman had major influence on the Cold War in relation to policy he introduced. The Truman Doctrine had major influence on the beginning of the Cold War as it was a policy with hostile implications. On the 12 March 1947, Truman delivered a speech to the U.S about his foreign policy following World War II. This speech called for the containment of communism and implied that America would involve itself in any war between Communism and Capitalism. He said; â€Å"At the present moment every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. TheShow MoreRelatedWas President Truman Responsible for the Cold War? Essay1105 Words   |  5 Pagesinto office right at the end of World War II, after the death of President Franklin Roosevelt. Almost immediately after becoming president, Truman learned of the Manhattan Project, and had to decide whether or not to use the atomic bomb. With the advice of James Byrnes, Secretary of State, Truman decided to drop two atomic bombs on Japan, in part to demonstrate America’s power to the world and gain a political advantage in Europe (Offner 294). 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