After World War II, our allied status with the Soviet broke down into cold war adversaries. The Soviet imperialism grew in Eastern Europe and the delay of troop withdrawal from Iran raised tensions in the Truman administration. There was also growing unrest in Greece and Truman saw this as a two-pronged attack on both the oil-rich areas of the Middle East and the ports of the Mediterranean. Thus began the "Truman Doctrine", a United States policy to stop soviet expansion during the Cold War. President Harry S. Truman pledged to contain communism in Europe and elsewhere through both military and economic aid. The Truman Doctrine became the foundation of the president's foreign policy and placed the U.S. in the role of global policeman. One facet of the Truman's cold war strategy was the National Security Act of 1947. This act was a major restructuring of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies creating a link between the military and national security. The act merged the Department of War and the Department of the Navy into the National Military Establishment, headed by the new Secretary of Defense. Among other things it also established the National Security Council, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the United States Air Force.
In his 1948 address to congress, President Truman explained the role of the National Security Act in context of the after math of World War II.
"We believe that the United States can be an effective force for world peace only if it is strong. We look forward to the day when nations will decrease their armaments. Yet so long as there remains serious opposition to the ideals of a peaceful world, we must maintain strong armed forces.
The passage of the National Security Act by the Congress at its last session was a notable step in providing for the security of this country. A further step which I consider of even greater importance is the early provision for universal training. There are many elements in a balanced national security program, all interrelated and necessary, but universal training should be the foundation for them all. A favorable decision by the Congress at an early date is of world importance. I am convinced that such action is vital to the security of this Nation and to the maintenance of its leadership.
The United States is engaged today in many international activities directed toward the creation of lasting peaceful relationships among nations.
We have been giving substantial aid to Greece and Turkey to assist those nations in preserving their integrity against foreign pressures. Had it not been for our aid, their situation today might well be radically different. The continued integrity of those countries will have a powerful effect upon other nations in the Middle East and in Europe struggling to maintain their independence while they repair the damages of war."
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=13005
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Security_Act_of_1947
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truman_Doctrine
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