Document #1:
Eisenhower Doctrine (January 5, 1957) - Dwight David Eisenhower
These things stress the immense importance of the Middle East. If the nations of that area should lose their independence, if they were dominated by alien forces hostile to freedom, that would be both a tragedy for the area and for many other free nations whose economic life would be subject to near strangulation. Western Europe would be endangered just as though there had been no Marshall Plan, no North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The free nations of Asia and Africa, too, would be placed in serious jeopardy. And the countries of the Middle East would lose the markets upon which their economies depend. All this would have the most adverse, if not disastrous, effect upon our own nation's economic life and political prospects.
Source: http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3360
DBQs:
a. According to Eisenhower, what areas of the world rely on the Middle East?
b. What “hostile force” was Eisenhower concerned with?
c. What would happen if the Middle East was dominated by a hostile force?
Eisenhower Doctrine (January 5, 1957) - Dwight David Eisenhower
These things stress the immense importance of the Middle East. If the nations of that area should lose their independence, if they were dominated by alien forces hostile to freedom, that would be both a tragedy for the area and for many other free nations whose economic life would be subject to near strangulation. Western Europe would be endangered just as though there had been no Marshall Plan, no North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The free nations of Asia and Africa, too, would be placed in serious jeopardy. And the countries of the Middle East would lose the markets upon which their economies depend. All this would have the most adverse, if not disastrous, effect upon our own nation's economic life and political prospects.
Source: http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3360
DBQs:
a. According to Eisenhower, what areas of the world rely on the Middle East?
b. What “hostile force” was Eisenhower concerned with?
c. What would happen if the Middle East was dominated by a hostile force?
Document #2:
Excerpt from the State of the Union Address (January 23, 1980) - Jimmy Carter
The Soviet Union is now attempting to consolidate a strategic position, therefore, that poses a grave threat to the free movement of Middle East oil.
This situation demands careful thought, steady nerves, and resolute action, not only for this year but for many years to come. It demands collective efforts to meet this new threat to security in the Persian Gulf and in Southwest Asia. It demands the participation of all those who rely on oil from the Middle East and who are concerned with global peace and stability. And it demands consultation and close cooperation with countries in the area which might be threatened.
Meeting this challenge will take national will, diplomatic and political wisdom, economic sacrifice, and, of course, military capability. We must call on the best that is in us to preserve the security of this crucial region.
Let our position be absolutely clear: An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force.
During the past three years, you have joined with me to improve our own security and the prospects for peace, not only in the vital oil-producing area of the Persian Gulf region but around the world. We've increased annually our real commitment for defense, and we will sustain this increase of effort throughout the Five-Year Defense Program. It's imperative that Congress approve this strong defense budget for 1981, encompassing a 5 percent real growth in authorizations, without any reduction.
Source: http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3404
DBQs:
a. What was the Soviet threat?
b. Why did this passage call on those who rely on oil from the Middle East?
c. What would happen if the Soviets gained control of the Middle Eastern Oil?