U.S. Foreign Aid – Point Four Program for economic and social progress
This U.S. foreign aid project aimed at providing technological skills, knowledge, and equipment to poor nations throughout the world. The program also encouraged the flow of private investment capital to these nations. The project received its name from the fourth point of a program set forth in President Truman's 1949 inaugural address:
- "First, we will continue to give unfaltering support to the United Nations and related agencies, and we will continue to search for ways to strengthen their authority and increase their effectiveness."
- "Second, we will continue our programs for world economic recovery."
- "Third, we will strengthen freedom-loving nations against the dangers of aggression."
- "Fourth, we must embark on a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas."
Administered by the Department of State from 1950 to 1953, it was later integrated into other foreign policy programs. Intended as a defense against communism, the Point Four Program promoted improved agricultural production and technological skills in underdeveloped and developing nations.