Marshall Plan, 1947

What was the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan was a scheme to provide economic aid to Europe.

When was the Marshall Plan introduced?

The Marshall Plan was introduced in 1948.

Who came up with the Marshall Plan?

It was proposed by the US Secretary of State, George C Marshall.

Why was the Marshall Plan introduced?

The Marshall Plan was essentially the Truman Doctrine in action. By making countries dependent on US dollars, it would prevent the spread of communism.

How much money was provided by the Marshall Plan?

$13.3 billion was provided by the USA to help rebuild Europe.

Which countries received aid under the Marshall Plan?

A total of 16 western European countries, including France, West Germany and Britain, received aid.

What was it hoped would be achieved by the Marshall Plan?

It was feared the damage and poverty caused by the Second World War would encourage people to turn to communism. Giving countries money to rebuild would stop them becoming communist.

What were the conditions needed to receive aid from the Marshall Plan?

In order to receive money, countries had to trade with the USA and be capitalist.

What was the reaction to the Marshall Plan?

The USSR reacted in 4 main ways to the Marshall Plan:

• ❖ The Soviet Union saw both the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan as a threat to communism.
• ❖ Stalin called it 'dollar imperialism' and claimed the USA was trying to take over Europe using its economic strength.
• ❖ Stalin responded by creating Cominform in 1947, which coordinated and controlled communist parties in Europe from the USSR.
• ❖ Comecon was established in 1949 to organise economic trade between eastern Europe and the USSR.

What was the significance of the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan was significant for 4 key reasons:

• ❖ It helped the economic recovery of western Europe.
• ❖ It limited the expansion of Soviet influence in Europe so the USSR was 'contained'.
• ❖ It deepened the divide between western Europe and eastern Europe as they were now divided politically and economically.
• ❖ It worsened the relationship between the USA and the USSR.