Kennan Excerpt

In this excerpt, "The Sources of Soviet Conduct," written by X (George F. Kennan) from Foreign Affairs, 1947, Kennan discusses the conduct of the Soviet Union and how it relates to communism and the United States. In the first paragraph, Kennan says that the main element of any United States policy concerning or towards the Soviet Union must involve a patient but firm containment of Russian expansive tendencies. He states that the U.S. should view Russia as a rival, not a partner, due to the fact that Soviet policies reflect no real faith in the possibility of a permanent, happy coexistence of the Socialist and capitalist worlds. Soviet policies reflect a persistent pressure toward the disruption and weakening of all rival influence and rival power. Kennan also says that Russia is the weaker party, and that its society may contain deficiencies which will eventually weaken is own total potential. Kennan tells the reader that American behavior alone cannot bring about the early fall of the Soviet power in Russia, but has in its power the ability to increase the strains under which Soviet policy must operate.

Was Truman justified?

Truman's decision to drop the bombs on Japan was a long and difficult task. Though there were several options, none of them were a definite choice which would save not only resources and time, but also casualties. Japan was well-informed of the United States' option of dropping the atomic bombs, yet its military refused to cooperate and surrender before innocent lives were taken. Dropping the bombs was immoral and inhumane, but at that moment in time it seemed like the best option as it would get Japan to surrender, as well as securing an Allied victory for World War II. Truman's decision was truly a difficult one, and not many people can say that they had to make a choice like that which would subsequently alter history and harm innocent civilians. Though he may receive much criticism as well as acclaim, he made the best possible choice he could have.

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It's been almost a month now, and I still can't believe my baby brother is at war fighting for our country. I try to listen carefully for any news and updates on the war, praying that little Bobby is safe. Things at home haven't been improving. We're still scraping by with our rations. I can feel my shoe slowly grow a hole in its sole, but my husband Johnny says that we can't buy any new clothes. I've decided that instead of wallowing because of my distaste in wardrobe, I'll buy more books to read. I've already read three in the past few weeks, but it's all I can do to keep my mind off my growling stomach. I've tried to create a garden in the back-yard, but the soil is less than desirable for growing tomatos and carrots. Johnny's leaving for work now, he's finally gotten a job helping in the production of B-24 Liberator bombers at the new factory built by The Ford Motor Company. I guess they're also building ships, but I keep myself busy at home with the cooking and cleaning. His wages are going up, so now there's more money for the necessities.