Summary
In June 1947, Secretary of State George C. Marshall proposed that the United States provide funds to help Europe recover from the destruction caused by World War II. To receive the aid, European nations had to agree on a cooperative plan to solve their common economic and infrastructure problems. In April 1948, President Harry Truman signed a law that established the European Recovery Program. Popularly known as the Marshall Plan, it provided support for European agricultural and industrial production, boosted exports, strengthened European currencies, and helped limit the Soviet Union's growing influence in Europe. By successfully distributing more than $12 billion in aid, the Marshall Plan ensured European recovery and encouraged greater cooperation and unity among European nations.
Illustrated with full-color and black-and-white photographs, and accompanied by a chronology, bibliography, and further resources, The Marshall Plan, Updated Edition delves into the plan that transformed a war-ravaged Europe into a continent of vibrant economies. Historical spotlights and excerpts from primary source documents are also included.
About the Author(s)
G.S. PRENTZAS is the author of numerous books for young readers. He wrote The Cuban Revolution in Chelsea House's Milestones in Modern World History series and The World Health Organization in Chelsea House's Global Organizations set. He lives near New York City.