LAD #36: Truman Doctrine

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LAD #36: Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine was an address the President Harry S. Truman gave to Congress in 1947. He begins the address by discussing the need for the United States to assist the country of Greece, which was greatly in need after World War II, given its lack of resources and the destruction done by the Nazis. According to Truman, Greece was unable to muster up enough money to even begin reconstruction and that therefore, it was the responsibility of the United States to provide them with economic assistance, especially because they were asking for our help. In addition to that, the Greeks needed military assistance to help with communist terrorism. America was the only country that could help because the other allied nations were dealing with serious recoveries as well. Truman also stated that the U.S. needed to help Turkey, now that Great Britain was unable to do so. All of this would be done with the intention of helping these countries maintain their self-government, unlike the Soviet policy of taking over satellite nations, something that was done in direct violation of the Yalta Conference. Truman then begins to broaden his request to Congress, stating that it is the responsibility of the United States to ensure that other countries' freedoms are maintained and that the will of the majority is never suppressed by dictatorial minorities who use terrorism and fixed election to retain power. Given the major investment the United States made in World War II, a war fought to prevent dictators from suppressing the will of the people, it only makes sense that the United States continue providing economic help to countries to make sure the war was not fought it vain. Truman finalizes his request by asking for the sake of the United States and the world.

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This reminded me of the Domino Theory, which was the United States justification in supporting capitalist nations and leaders in communist areas. The U.S. stated that they were protecting the world from the spread of communism, and the Truman Doctrine seems to be the beginning of that, as Greece is getting assistance in protecting itself from communist terrorism.

LAD #35: Executive Order #9066

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LAD #35: Executive Order #9066

The order begins by stating that all necessary measures to defend against espionage must be taken. Next, FDR gives the Secretary of War and his military commanders the ability to control who enters, stays in, and leaves any military locations, which can be created anywhere by order of the Secretary of War. With this, the Secretary of War also has the power to provide food and shelter to all people that may be displaced by the creation of military sectors or bases. The Secretary of War can also use the military to enforce the restrictions that he creates. All other government officials are required to help and provide the Secretary of War with whatever he needs to carry out his decisions. Finally, FDR clarifies that this does not limit or change the power of other government agencies.

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This order, as it was targeted at the Japanese, reminds me of Donald Trump's Muslim Ban, which was phrased in a similar way, in that it did not specifically mention Muslims, but was clearly directed at them.

LAD #34: FDR's Declaration of War

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LAD #34: FDR's Declaration of War

President Roosevelt delivered this address after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. According to Roosevelt, the United States had, to that point, been attempting to maintain peaceful relations with the Japanese. Though the Japanese stated that they did not think that peace could be maintained, there was no indication that they would incite war. Roosevelt stated that the attack was obviously planned out, proving that the Japanese had been lying to the American government. As a result of the attacks, many Americans died, and the Japanese did not stop there. They attacked other American ships, as well as other Pacific islands, like Guam. Roosevelt declared that he had already mobilized the army and navy for the defense of the country. In addition, Roosevelt stated with confidence that, America "will win through to absolute victory. FDR proudly announced that the U.S. would triumph over their enemies, and he asked that, given the obvious attacks of the Japanese, that Congress declare war.

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This reminded me of when George W. Bush declared a War on Terror after the 9/11 attacks.

LAD #33: FDR's First Inaugural

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LAD #33: FDR's First Inaugural

FDR begins his address very boldly, emphasizing the importance of truth, and acknowledging the grave issues that were currently facing the country. He stated that the only thing to fear was fear itself and that that was what was keeping the country from moving forward. He then goes on to address some of the many economic issues facing the nation, especially the issue of widespread unemployment. In a more hopeful tone, FDR then makes clear that the issue does not come from a lack of material, stating that nature provides plenty. Sadly, according to Roosevelt, America has been looking to leaders whose only experience is in helping themselves, and that they only know how to lend more money, adding to the problem at hand. FDR then says that money is not the most important thing and that we should strive for achievement instead. Roosevelt makes clear that the root of the problem is the unfair, dishonest practices that have been occurring, which in turn have led to a lack of trust and confidence among the people. FDR states that this needs to change. According to Roosevelt, not only do our values need to be restored, but action must be taken to put people to work, and not just in the overcrowded cities. Nothing will happen if people just talk about it. To make sure that this never happens again, FDR states that banking needs regulation, and there needs to be a stable currency. Next, FDR moves away from isolationism, stating that world trade must be reopened. Roosevelt emphasizes the need to give as well as take. He also states that, though he hopes to work with Congress, he is entirely willing to expand his Executive power to solve America's problems. To conclude, Roosevelt proudly accepts the position that the people have given him, and he asks for God's blessing.

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The problems that Roosevelt is addressing in this speech remind me of the economic recession that President Obama faced when he first came into office in 2008.

LAD #32: Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact

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LAD #32: Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact

The Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact was an agreement between the leaders of many world powers, including, the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, as well as others, to no longer use war as means for changing foreign policy. The agreement consisted of three articles. Article I states that these countries and their peoples renounce the policy of war as a means of resolving issues between the countries in the treaty. Article II declares that these countries will try to solve all future problems diplomatically, through peaceful means. Finally, Article III states that each country will get the treaty ratified by the means stated in their respective constitutions and that the treaty will stay open until all other countries have joined. It also makes clear that it will be the responsibility of the United States to take care of adding each additional country to the treaty.

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This agreement reminded me of the disarmament agreements that were made during the Cold War, between the USSR and the United States. These agreements were also intended to decrease the likelihood of war, in this case nuclear war.