Date of Award
4-24-2012
Degree Type
Honors Paper
Department
History
First Advisor
N. Scott Cole, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
William R. Harbour, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Larissa Smith Fergerson, Ph.D.
Abstract
The object of this study is to examine and assess the major decisions and impact of General James Van Fleet in his role as executor of the Truman Doctrine during the Greek Civil War from the period of February 1948 to the early part of 1950. Though only in charge of the military side of the Truman Doctrine, Van Fleet often bettered his political and diplomatic counterparts in their own arenas. As the economic and military objectives of the Truman Doctrine aid program became increasingly political, Van Fleet successfully assumed the new role of soldier-diplomat and bridged the political and ideological difference of the competing interests during the Greek Civil War by being both prudent and aggressive, both accommodating and forceful. Additionally, this study seeks to provide an individualized account of Van Fleet's role in Greece and assess its broader implications for U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. In particular it seeks to reexamine the historical mythology that has developed around Van Fleet and his supposed influence on Greek politics during this period.
Recommended Citation
Garland, Oliver R., "A General Among Diplomats: General James Van Fleet, the Truman Doctrine, and the Greek Civil War" (2012). Theses & Honors Papers. 14.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/etd/14
