Rising Tensions in the Cold War - The Marshall Plan

Question 1

What was the Marshall Plan?

Answer 1

The Marshall Plan was a scheme to provide economic aid to Europe.

Question 2

When was the Marshall Plan introduced?

Answer 2

The Marshall Plan was announced in 1947, but the aid began to arrive in Europe in 1948.

Question 3

Who came up with the Marshall Plan?

Answer 3

It was proposed by the US Secretary of State, George C Marshall.

Question 4

Why was the Marshall Plan introduced?

Answer 4

The Marshall Plan was essentially the Truman Doctrine in action. By making countries dependent on US dollars, it would prevent the spread of communism.

Question 5

How much money was provided by the Marshall Plan?

Answer 5

$13.3 billion was provided by the USA to help rebuild Europe.

Question 6

Which countries received aid under the Marshall Plan?

Answer 6

A total of 16 western European countries, including France, West Germany and Britain, received aid.

Question 7

What was it hoped would be achieved by the Marshall Plan?

Answer 7

It was feared the damage and poverty caused by the Second World War would encourage people to turn to communism. Giving countries money to rebuild would stop them becoming communist.

Question 8

What were the conditions needed to receive aid from the Marshall Plan?

Answer 8

In order to receive money, countries had to trade with the USA and be capitalist.

Question 9

What was the reaction to the Marshall Plan?

Answer 9

• The Soviet Union saw both the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan as a threat to communism.
• Stalin called it ‘dollar imperialism’ and claimed the USA was trying to take over Europe using its economic strength.
• Stalin responded by creating Cominform in 1947, which coordinated and controlled communist parties in Europe from the USSR.
• Comecon was established in 1949 to organise economic trade between eastern Europe and the USSR.

Question 10

What was the significance of the Marshall Plan?

Answer 10

• It helped the economic recovery of western Europe.
• It limited the expansion of Soviet influence in Europe so the USSR was ‘contained’.
• It deepened the divide between western Europe and eastern Europe as they were now divided politically and economically.
• It worsened the relationship between the USA and the USSR.