What was the primary goal of the Marshall Plan?

The primary goal of the Marshall Plan was to aid European recovery after World War II. Introduced by U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall in 1947, this initiative aimed to provide financial assistance to European nations whose economies had been devastated by the war. The United States recognized that stabilizing these economies was essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for preventing the spread of communism, as poverty and instability were seen as fertile ground for communist ideologies to gain traction.

By providing substantial financial support, the Marshall Plan facilitated the rebuilding of war-torn infrastructure, revitalized industry, and spurred economic growth. This aid was critical in helping European countries recover and ultimately contributed to a period of unprecedented economic prosperity in the region during the late 1940s and 1950s. The success of the plan also helped to strengthen political ties between the United States and Western Europe during the early years of the Cold War.