What was the main purpose of the Marshall Plan?

The main purpose of the Marshall Plan was to rebuild Europe after World War II. Officially known as the European Recovery Program, it was initiated in 1948 by U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall. The plan aimed to provide economic assistance to help European nations recover from the extensive devastation of the war. It allocated over $12 billion (equivalent to more than $100 billion today) to support the rebuilding of infrastructure, industry, and economies across Western Europe.

By facilitating this recovery, the Marshall Plan sought not only to alleviate suffering and hardship in Europe but also to prevent the spread of communism, which was seen as a threat during the early years of the Cold War. A prosperous and stable Europe was viewed as essential for maintaining political stability and counteracting Soviet influence. The success of the Marshall Plan is generally credited with helping to restore the economies of Western European nations and is considered a significant factor in the establishment of the European Economic Community, which ultimately evolved into the European Union.