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Marshall Plan

European Recovery Program created by the U.S. to rebuild Europe after WWII and stop the spread of communism.

Official name of the Marshall Plan

European Recovery Program (ERP).

Year the Marshall Plan was announced

1947.

George C. Marshall

U.S. Secretary of State who proposed the Marshall Plan.

Post-WWII Europe

Economically devastated with destroyed cities, food shortages, and high unemployment.

Containment

U.S. policy to stop the spread of communism without starting a direct war.

"Mr. X"

George Kennan.

George Kennan

U.S. diplomat who argued that communism should be contained through economic and political strength.

Greece and Turkey aid request

Asked the U.S. for $400 million in aid.

Why Greece worried the U.S.

Greece was in a civil war and at risk of falling to communism.

Domino Theory

The idea that if one country becomes communist, nearby countries will follow.

Main goal of the Marshall Plan

Rebuild European economies to prevent the spread of communism.

Humanitarian reason for the Marshall Plan

To help Europeans recover from hunger, poverty, and destruction.

Anti-communist reason for the Marshall Plan

Stable economies were less likely to turn to communism.

Economic reason for the Marshall Plan

A strong Europe was needed for U.S. trade and economic stability.

Soviet response to the Marshall Plan

The USSR rejected it and forced Eastern Europe to reject it too.

Why the USSR rejected the Marshall Plan

It gave the U.S. too much oversight and threatened Soviet control.

Molotov Plan

Soviet alternative to the Marshall Plan providing aid to Eastern Europe.

COMECON

Soviet organization that coordinated Eastern European economies.

Cominform

Organization used by the USSR to control communist parties in Europe.

Why the Soviets opposed an all-European plan

It would unite Europe under U.S. influence.

German resources concern

The USSR feared German recovery would weaken Soviet power.

Czechoslovakia and the Marshall Plan

Initially voted unanimously to accept the aid.

What Stalin did to Czechoslovakia

Pressured leaders to reject the Marshall Plan.

What happened in Czechoslovakia after

The government was overthrown by communists in 1948.

Why Czechoslovakia mattered

It showed the USSR would not allow Eastern Europe to choose freely.

Impact of Czechoslovakia on the West

Increased Western support for the Marshall Plan.