The Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was a U.S. initiative launched in 1948 to aid Western Europe after World War II. It provided over $12 billion (around $150 billion today) in economic assistance to help rebuild economies, infrastructure, and stabilize governments. The plan aimed to reduce poverty, promote political stability, and prevent the spread of communism by revitalizing the economies of European countries. It successfully contributed to rapid recovery and growth in the region, fostering cooperation and integration, and is often credited with laying the groundwork for modern Europe.
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The Marshall Plan was a U.S. initiative launched in 1948 to aid European recovery after World War II. Named after Secretary of State George Marshall, it provided over $12 billion (around $130 billion today) in financial assistance to help rebuild war-torn economies, restore infrastructure, and prevent the spread of communism. The plan aimed to stabilize Europe, promote trade, and foster political stability, ultimately leading to stronger partnerships between the U.S. and Western Europe. It is often credited with accelerating the recovery of Europe and laying the foundation for future integration, including the European Union.