Long Telegram
“Soviet power, unlike that of Hitler’s Germany, does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. It cannot be reasoned with, but it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason it can easily withdraw--and usually does when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary [opponent] has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns.”
-George Kennan, US Ambassador to the Soviet Union
Feb. 22, 1946
-George Kennan, US Ambassador to the Soviet Union
Feb. 22, 1946
The Sources of Soviet Conduct
“In these circumstances it is clear that the main element of any United States policy toward the Soviet Union must be that of long-term, patient but firm and vigilant containment of Russian expansive tendencies.”
-George Kennan
July 1947
-George Kennan
July 1947
Document Based Questions
1) Who is the speaker and what is the time period?
2) What does he argue the United States should do to stop the spread of communism?
3) Why was it an important goal for many in the US to stop communism spreading?
4) Where do you think George Kennan was worried about communism spreading when these documents were written?
5) How do you think most Americans felt about the policy of containing communism in the years after WWII? Were they supportive? Why or why not?
6) How did this policy of containment impact American foreign policy decisions in Korea and Vietnam?