Origins of the Cold War, c1945–1949: the USA’s involvement in Europe - the Launch of the Marshall Plan Flashcards
Outline the main events in the launch of the Marshall Plan
• May 1947
- Clayton returns from fact-finding tour of Europe
- Concludes that European economies need to be revived to prevent damage to US economy
- Kennan’s Policy Planning Staff (PPS) group states US should focus on rebuilding Europe rather than combatting communism
• 5 June 1947
- George Marshall reveals Marshall Plan aka European Recovery Program (ERP)
• September 1947
- Cominform is established
• 1947-1952
- $13.5 billion to 16 countries in Europe
- Some money had to be spent on importing US goods and sharing economic information
- Stalin orders Czechoslovakia and Hungary to not accept Marshall aid
Who is Clayton?
- Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs
When did Clayton return from his tour of Europe?
- May 1947
What did Clayton conclude after his tour in Europe?
- Failure to revive European economies would damage the US economically
- Loss of markets for American goods and unemployment
- Emphasised economic importance of Europe to US
When did Kennan’s Policy Planning Staff (PPS) group issue a statement on the state of Europe?
- May 1947
What did the PPS group think of the state of Europe?
- Economic, political and social structure of Europe more affected by WWII than communist activities
- US should focus on restoring Europe’s economic strength, rather than combating communism
Who was George Marshall?
- US Secretary of State from 1947-1949
When did George Marshall unveil the European Recovery Plan (ERP) aka the Marshall Plan?
- 5 June 1947
How much money did the US provide as part of the Marshall Plan? How many countries received aid?
- $13.5 billion
- 16 countries in Europe
What conditions did countries have to meet to receive aid under ERP?
- Some money had to be spent on importing goods from US
- Recipients required to share economic information with the US
What did ERP or the Marshall Plan aim to do?
- Benefit US economy by reconstructing Europe’s economy
- Promote European unity
- Create stable European bloc to reinforce containment
- To prevent economic stagnation which could lead to election of communist regimes that could fall under influence of USSR
Give an example that contributed to the US’ concern of political and economic stability in Europe
- In 1947, French Communist Party had 1.7 million members
What did the USSR think of ERP or the Marshall Plan?
- Dollar imperialism
- Anti-Soviet alliance
- Believed US influence would spread into Eastern Europe, which would undermine Soviet sphere of influence and security
Which countries under partial communist control wanted Marshall aid?
- Czechoslovakia
- Hungary
How did Stalin respond to Eastern European states wanting Marshall aid?
- Ordered them to not receive Marshall aid
