On March 12, Truman announces his two-camp theory, later known as the Truman Doctrine, launching the American policy of containment toward the USSR and all communist aspirations around the world. This is followed by the European Recovery Program, known as the Marshall Plan (after U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall).
The Soviet Union counters by attempting to manifest its sphere of influence in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. At the founding meeting of the Cominform (Communist Information Bureau, the official forum of the international communist movement) on September 30, organizer Andrei Zhdanov cites the two-camp theory in his speech. From then on the doctrine is followed by the U.S. and the USSR alike, laying the foundations for the Cold War.
The conference of all the minister-presidents of the German states within the four occupation zones is held in Munich in June; it turns out to be the last meeting between East and West German heads of government for twenty-three years.
The Allies’ sixth conference of foreign ministers in London in November–December is devoted to the German question but founders, overshadowed by the East-West conflict. The former anti-Hitler coalition falls apart.
Late in the year, the SED initiates the People’s Congress Movement for Unity and a Just Peace in the Soviet zone to demand the negotiation of a peace treaty for a united Germany.
In November, the United Nations General Assembly approves a plan to partition Palestine into two states—one Jewish, one Arab.
1947 Two Camps Form
To combat the severe food shortage, Berlin residents plant vegetables amid the ruins, even in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
International modernism returns to German museums, publishing houses, and theaters. People line up in front of Munich’s Haus der Kunst (House of Art) to experience culture that had just recently been vilified.
