1945-1949: The Marshall Plan Flashcards
(14 cards)
When was the Marshall Plan
Announced June 1947
Enacted April 1948
What was the Marshall Plan
Created by George Marshall
European Recovery Program (ERP)
Would bring economic recovery to Europeans who work together with aid from the USA
16 Western EU countries joined. $13.3 billion in grants + loans over the next 4 years
Why was the Marshall Plan introduced
Need for European economic recovery after WW2
Pure altruism - “The most unselfish act in History” (Churchill)
Market for US goods
Avoid global recession
Prevent spread of Communism
What was the conditions for the Marshall Plan
Show economic records and have open markets
What was Soviet reaction to the Marshall Plan
Initially wanted to join as needed the economics
But did not want to show economics as would show weakness and Soviets did not believe in open markets (Capitalism)
Eventually saw it as economic imperialism and US way to eradicate communism
What was US initial goal in Europe
Establish democratic regions then leave once they were US friendly
Who was Acheson and what was his assessment of Europe post July 1945
Assistant Secretary of State. Assessed the problem was a global one and that Europe would collapse if USA left
Who was Clayton and what was his findings on Europe post July 1945
Under-Secretary of State in May 1947. Saw Europe was deteriorating and that if the US did not help EU would disintegrate
How did the US strategy change by 1947
US would have an independent bloc of pro-American states. Europe would become divided only focussing on Western Europe
What was the relation between US and Br
Both of mutual benefit
What was the PPS
George Kennan’s Policy Planning Staff who concluded that communist activity was not the biggest issue but rather the results of WW2. Also thought weak economy would lead to communism
What did the US fear in France and Italy
Political and economic stability as Communism was popular. Feared USSR influence
When was Cominform
1947
Created to strengthen links with Eastern bloc
When was Comecon
1949
Bilateral trade agreements with communist countries
