The Cold War (1945-1980)

“One way of life is based upon the will of the majority, and is distinguished by free institutions; representative government; free elections; guarantees of individual liberty; freedom of speech and religion; and freedom from political oppression.

“The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed on the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression; a controlled press; framed elections; and the suppression of personal freedom.

“I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.”

-Source: President Harry Truman, in an address before a Joint Session of Congress, 1947