The Marshall Plan:
American Involvement in the Restabilization of Western Europe
1948 – 1952
Abstract:
The Marshall Plan was an initiative by the United States government to rebuild and give aid to Western Europe after the end of World War II. Though it was an economic endeavor that included grants, loans and material donations to European countries, the U.S. government also used its influence as a leading world power to commit these European nations to free trade and democratic practices, while discrediting the communist system through the success of democratic partnership. The program also focused on integrated cooperation between the involved European nations, and after the fourth year of the program, Europe was able be self-reliant once again and had reduced its barriers to trade.