With the end of World War II and continental Europe left in ruins as it was just two decades before, communism seemed like a temptation irresistible for war-ravaged countries. and abandoned by a capitalist system. Ergo, the United States, center of the capitalist West and sworn enemy of communism, has devoted itself to adapting numerous policies to contain this perceived threat. Therefore, policies developed to enforce communist containment were the most important factors in the development of the United States in a postwar world, with considerable impact on both external and domestic fronts. When we think about the second half of the 20th century, the immediate response is let's turn to the Cold War, and when the Cold War comes to mind, a typical path is to make the connection with foreign relations. The Cold War had an unprecedented impact on the country's foreign policy, as officials began to take a more precise interventionist approach in the name of fighting communism. The lockdown frenzy began during the presidency of Harry S. Truman when General George C. Marshall summarized the lessons of World War II in For the Common Defense. He advised the United States to militarize so as not to be unprepared in the event of World War III. Since technological innovations collapsed what was once considered the hemispheric defense of the United States, "the security of the nation, when challenged by an armed enemy, [now] requires the services of virtually all able-bodied male citizens belonging to the effective military age group.” » (quoted in Johnson 213). The cornerstone of the lockdown was laid in the Marshall Plan, also known as the European Recovery Program. This plan called for $13...... middle of paper ......Ed. Michael P. Johnson. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2012. 221-224. Print. Murrin, John et al. Liberty, Equality, Power: A History of the American People, Vol. 2: Since 1863. 6th ed. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. Nitze, Paul. NSC-68. American objectives and programs for national security. Reading America's Past, Volume II: From 1865: Selected Historical Documents. Ed. Michael P. Johnson. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2012. 217-221. Print.Parry-Giles, Shawn J. “Militarizing American Propaganda.” » Critical reflections on the Cold War: connecting rhetoric and history. Ed. Martin J. Medhurst and HW Brands. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press, 2000. 95-133. Print.Truman, Harry S. Special Message to Congress on Greece and Turkey: The Truman Doctrine. AmericanPresidencyProject.com. Gerhard Peters, 2013. The web. December 2 2013.