By Schramm, Richard R. (NHC Vice President for Education Programs, 1984–2016)

Between the end of World War II and 1950 American policy makers debated how to interpret the Soviet Union’s takeover of countries in eastern Europe and what to do about it. Eventually, they concluded that the Soviet Union sought to eliminate freedom throughout the globe and bring nation after nation under its rule. They decided that the United States, as the world’s chief proponent of democracy, should stop Soviet expansion and defend freedom wherever it was threatened for moral reasons and to ensure world peace through American strength and dominance.

Subjects

Political Science / History / Education Studies / Cold War / Aftermath of World War II / Foreign Policy / International Relations / Soviet Union / Primary Sources /