Exam 4 IDs

Question 1

Marshall Plan/ERP (1947-51)

Answer 1

The Marshall Plan, formally known as the European Recovery Program (ERP), was a landmark U.S. initiative implemented from 1947 to 1951 to aid in the economic recovery of Western European countries following the devastation of World War II. Named after Secretary of State George C. Marshall, who proposed the plan in a speech at Harvard University in 1947, it aimed to rebuild war-torn regions, foster economic stability, and prevent the spread of communism, which was gaining traction in Europe during the early stages of the Cold War.

Key Features:
Financial Assistance:

The U.S. provided over $13 billion (approximately $150 billion in today’s terms) in economic aid to 16 European countries, including the UK, France, West Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The aid was used for infrastructure rebuilding, industrial modernization, and improving agricultural productivity.
Economic Integration:

The plan encouraged European nations to work together, fostering trade and cooperation. This spirit of collaboration laid the groundwork for future organizations like the European Union (EU).
Conditions:

Recipient countries had to commit to free-market reforms, reduce trade barriers, and allow U.S. oversight of how the funds were used.
The aid was explicitly tied to reducing the influence of communism, which was seen as a threat to democratic governance in Europe.
Implementation:

The Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA), a U.S. government agency, managed the distribution of funds.
Countries receiving aid formed the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) to allocate resources and plan reconstruction collectively.
Outcomes:
Economic Recovery: Western European economies experienced significant growth, with industrial production increasing by over 35% by 1951.
Political Stability: The plan helped stabilize democratic governments and curtailed communist influence in Europe.
U.S.-Europe Relations: The program solidified the United States’ role as a leader in global economic and political affairs.
Cold War Implications: The Marshall Plan was part of the broader U.S. strategy of containment against Soviet expansion, intensifying the East-West divide.
The Marshall Plan remains a pivotal example of post-war reconstruction and international cooperation. It also showcased how economic aid could be used as a tool for geopolitical strategy and fostering alliances.

Question 2

National Security Act (1974)

Question 3

NATO (1949)

Question 4

Watergate (1972-74)

Question 5

Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-80)

Question 6

Star- Wars/ Strategic Defense Initiatives (1980s)