Then

After Truman delivered his speech, the entire room rose in a standing ovation.

However, as Acheson later pointed out, it was more out of respect for Truman's bravery than anything else. Talk of the Soviet threat was everywhere. Politicians, news editors, and people alike had been sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting for the President to tell them where he wanted to go.

Despite his affinity for "plain speaking," nobody expected as strong and declarative of a direction as the one Truman gave.

Of course, this direction was not without its critics. Republicans and Democrats who opposed the policy said it was dangerous and overzealous…not to mention expensive. Basically, some of the grumblings we hear in Washington today. Still, one could consider the TD a success in that Truman got what he wanted: Congress approved sending aid to Greece and Turkey, and "containment" became synonymous with Cold War foreign policy.

Now

Critics of "the Truman Doctrine," and the Cold War in general, often point to the speech as the first in a series of foreign policy doctrines and decisions that led to several unnecessary and unjust foreign conflicts.

The legacy of Vietnam is but one major example. However, the TD has also been remembered in a more favorable light, especially as a reflection of the president's commitment to democratic ideals and his straightforward decision-making process.

And hey, as major political and military strategies by an opportune leader go, it wasn't nearly as disastrous as the time Isildur chose to keep the ring…