What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan after World War II?

The purpose of the Marshall Plan after World War II was to rebuild European economies. Officially known as the European Recovery Program, it was launched in 1948 and aimed to provide economic assistance to war-torn European countries. The United States recognized that a prosperous and stable Europe would be essential not only for the recovery of the nations involved but also for the prevention of the spread of communism, which was gaining influence at that time.

The plan provided over $12 billion (equivalent to about $130 billion today) in economic aid to help countries rebuild their infrastructure, reform their economies, and modernize their industries. This financial support was also instrumental in fostering political stability and encouraging cooperation among European nations, ultimately contributing to the foundation of the European Union. The success of the Marshall Plan is often cited as a key factor in the economic resurgence of Western Europe during the late 1940s and 1950s.