The text authors describe the Truman Doctrine as “international ideali

The text authors describe the Truman Doctrine as “international idealism” and the Marshall Plan as “economic realism.” Explain the meaning of these definitions in the context of the emerging Cold War with the Soviet Union.

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER
The Truman Doctrine exhibited “international idealism” by pledging U.S. support for “free peoples” who were resisting “subjugation” by communist insurrection or invasion. It placed the United States in the posture of world savior. The Marshall Plan exhibited “economic realism” by helping rebuild the capitalist economies of Western Europe as a way of undercutting the growth of Communism there, and as a way of creating markets for U.S. exports.