Marshall Plan Research Paper

After World War II, many regions of Europe were devastated and left to deal with economic and infrastructural problems. In 1947, George Marshall, the United States' Secretary of State, developed a plan called the European Recovery Program, most notably known as the Marshall Plan. This plan allowed the United States to supply aid to countries in Europe that needed it. It also was effective at slowing down economic problems and recessions that might have occurred. The European Union began to prosper as trade was encouraged between countries and the standard of living increased, all because of the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan was successful at stopping economic instabilities, by making Europe more prosperous at trade, and most importantly,
He gained recognition from World War I when he was the "chief tactical officer of the first American division to go into action in France." He was eventually was promoted to a four star general. As head of the army, he directed the increase of American troops during World War II. He had also planned invasions of North Africa and Normandy, France during that time. In 1944, he was promoted to the rank of five star general and he resigned as army chief of staff in 1945. In 1947, President Harry Truman appointed Marshall as Secretary of State. Observing the collapse of Europe and recognizing the Soviet Unions intentions of taking advantage of this opportunity to spread communism, Marshall helped form the European Recovery Program in Paris. The Soviet Union refused to participate and prevented Poland and Czechoslovakia from participating also. The rest of the European countries drafted a request for $16 to $22 billion to help stimulate their economies by 1951. In Congress, the Marshall Plan was debated. George Marshall worked hard to get the law passed by working with congressional committees and making speeches. Congress voted to enact the program and President Truman signed it into law in April of 1948. The eighteen Western European countries that were a part of the plan were Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway,
Firstly, things such as poverty and unemployment were greatly decreased in Europe. Not only did this help European countries build themselves up again, but it helped control Communism that would have leaked into many countries. Because of the Marshall Plan, many countries had rapid renewals of their industries and rises in gross national products. War devastated areas were rebuilt which increased transportation and trade barriers were removed. Even though this plan was successful, many people had criticisms over it. Some people believed that economic recovery comes from savings and not from large subsidies. Even though some people had these views, the Marshall Plan still helped boost Western Europe's economy and prevented the entrance of communism. European communities were revitalized and were given capitalist