Marshall Plan Flashcards
(9 cards)
What were the reasons for the Marshall Plan?
A failure to revive the economies of European states would damage the USA economically
-Predicted the loss of markets for American goods and the consequent unemployment in the USA
What was George Kennan’s policy in May 1947?
Planning Staff (PPS)
-Stated it did not regard communist activities in Western Europe as the basic problem
-Real issue was the economic, political and social structure of Europe
What conditions were attached to the Marshall Plan?
-Some of it had to be spent on importing goods from the USA
-Required to share economic information with the USA
When was the Marshall Plan enacted?
3rd April 1948
How was Marshall Plan aimed at containment?
Promotion of European unity
-Create a stable Eastern bloc to reinforce idea of containment
Why were the US fearful of rising communism in Europe in 1947?
Continued economic post-war stagnation would result in regimes falling under the influence of the Soviet Union
What was the Soviet view of the Marshall Plan?
Clear example of American imperialism
-Believed the US influence may spread into Eastern Europe and undermine sphere of influence
What was the Soviet’s active response to the Marshall Plan?
Cominform
-Eastern European states that had expressed interest in Marshall Aid were ordered by Stalin to reverse their decisions
-Greater tightening of Soviet control in Eastern Europe necessary
What was the lasting impact of the Marshall Plan on the cold war?
-Accelerated the division of Europe
-Further undermined the possibility of international relations being based on some degree of cooperation
