It is hereby declared to be the policy of the people of the United States to continue, on terms consonant with the independence of the Republic of Korea and the security of the United States, to assist the people of Korea in their endeavors to establish a sound economy, to support the growth of individual liberty, free institutions, genuine independence, and representative government in Korea, to strengthen the ties of friendship between the American and Korean people, and to help to achieve the basic objectives of the Charter of the United Nations.

S. 2319, "A Bill to Promote World Peace...by Providing Aid to the Republic of Korea," July 22, 1949

What was the main goal of the United States in providing aid to South Korea?

A. To gain control over the Korean Peninsula
B. To prevent the spread of communism
C. To establish economic dominance in the region
D. To promote democracy in Asia