Turkish-American relations in the Truman era (1945-1953)

This study reviews Turkish-American relations in the Truman Era. Its primary objective is to examine the political, military and economic aspects of those relations from the end of the World War II through the end of the Harry S. Truman presidency, i.e. 1945-1953, when Turkish-American relations were re-shaped. The present study covers only the period until 1953 as that year marked the end of Truman presidency, the completion of European reconstruction through the Marshall Plan, and the start of the detente upon the Soviet note verbale of 30 May 1953 declaring that the Soviet government had no territorial claims against Türkiye, soon after Stalin's death on 5 March 1953. By 1953, both Türkiye and Europe had stabilized economically and politically, and much of the structural changes did take place. Thus, 1953 was a critical point in time. The US Government acknowledged Türkiye's importance upon wake-up calls from the United Kingdom. Beyond being an assistance program to strengthen Türkiye and Greece, the Truman Doctrine was both a political move to consolidate Truman's standing in domestic politics, and forge a US world domination doctrine. Following its declaration, Turkish-American relations enhanced rapidly under American control. This represented a starting point for political, economic and social changes in Türkiye, with lasting impacts even to date. This study aims to re-investigate the period in light of new documents and from a fresh viewpoint. The fundamental framework of Turkish-American relations from the end of World War II to date was formed in the Truman Era. The Soviet threat to Türkiye immediately following the World War II is a historical fact. In that period, Turkish influence was limited in the shaping and progress of Turkish-American relations. There was continuity and full accord between the governing party and opposition parties in Türkiye both in foreign policy and foreign economic relations. Yet, Türkiye did not have the initiative to formulate its domestic and foreign policy along its interests. Turkish-American relations during and after the Truman Era should be examined from a perspective of global security, economic development and mutual interests, leaving aside such ideological approaches as pro- or anti-Americanism.