The Truman Doctrine described U.S. policy as supporting free peoples resisting subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures. Which option expresses that?

• A. Isolate all nations from the United States.
• B. Support free peoples resisting subjugation.
• C. Expand unrestricted free trade.
• D. Reduce military spending.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is the United States’ commitment to actively aid nations resisting oppression during the early Cold War, a policy known as containment. The Truman Doctrine announced that the U.S. would support free peoples who were resisting subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures. This was a shift from neutrality to active assistance, aimed at preventing the spread of communism by backing countries under threat, notably in Greece and Turkey.

This is why the option describing support for free peoples resisting subjugation best fits. It directly reflects the promise of political, economic, and military aid to nations at risk of falling under oppressive influence. The other ideas describe isolation, trade-only approaches, or spending cuts, which don’t capture the security commitment and active support that the Truman Doctrine entailed.