What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan aimed to provide significant economic assistance to Western European countries following the devastation of World War II. The plan was developed under the direction of U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall and was formally enacted in 1948. Its primary goal was to help these countries rebuild their economies, which had been severely impacted by the war, and to stabilize their political systems.

A crucial aspect of the plan was to prevent the spread of communism in Western Europe. By offering financial support, the United States hoped to strengthen democratic governments and create economic stability, which would discourage the population from turning to communist ideologies as a solution to their economic hardship. Thus, the Marshall Plan not only focused on rebuilding but also served as a strategic measure in the broader context of the Cold War, as the U.S. sought to contain Soviet influence in Europe.