Marshall Plan

Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan was a U.S. economic aid program launched in 1947 to rebuild Europe after World War II.

It provided massive financial support to help:

• modernize industry

• rebuild infrastructure

• reduce trade barriers

• stabilize European economies

• make communism less attractive

The United States believed that economic recovery would reduce the appeal of communism and strengthen political stability.

Historical Impact

• helped Western Europe recover rapidly and prosper

• reinforced ties between the U.S. and Western Europe

• created a sharp contrast with Eastern Europe under Soviet influence

The Soviet Union and its Satellite Countries rejected the plan, and later responded with COMECON.