What was the Marshall Plan?

O marshall plan was a set of economic measures created by U.S to help with the post-World War II economic reconstruction of Western European countries.

right after the Second World War (1939–1945), several European countries began to see communism as the solution to their socioeconomic problems, with a view to the victory of Soviet Union (communist) in the conflict.

Political parties in many European countries were developing. In order to prevent such growth, the US government put into practice a plan devised by the Secretary of State, General George Catlett Marshall.

O main purpose of the Marshall Plan was to stop the advance of the communist threat in the world and strengthen capitalism.

Announced in 1947, the Plan consisted of a broad program of economic aid to the capitalist countries of Europe West that were hit by the Second World War.

US aid consisted of low-interest long-term loans and grants. In return, the European market could not impose any restrictions on US companies.

It is estimated that between 1948 and 1952, the United States provided, through the Marshall Plan, about 13 billion dollars for the reconstruction of Europe.

In this way, in a short time, the Plan was able to rebuild the economy of countries such as West Germany, France and England.

In addition, the Marshall Plan:

• Strengthened the United States' world leadership;
• Stimulated exports from the North American country;
• Weakened the strength of communism in some countries.

Learn more at:

• Cold War
• The Best Films to Study the Cold War
• Consequences of World War II