Which strategic policy aimed to stop the spread of communism worldwide?

• A. Truman Doctrine
• B. Domino Theory
• C. Containment
• D. Marshall Plan

Answer: (C)

Containment is the strategy of stopping the spread of communism by preventing its expansion to other countries, using a mix of political pressure, economic aid, alliances, and, when necessary, military means. After World War II, U.S. leaders argued that keeping communism from spreading would require active efforts across the globe, not just in Europe. The Truman Doctrine illustrates containment in action by pledging support to nations resisting communism; the Marshall Plan provided economic aid to rebuild Western Europe to reduce the appeal of communist movements; and the Domino Theory explains why stopping expansion in one country mattered. The Domino Theory is a reasoning tool behind containment, but the overarching policy guiding these efforts is containment itself.