How did the Marshall plan help Europe?

Answer 1

The Marshall Plan was a brilliant idea that probably saved Europe from a series of Communist takeovers!

You have to understand that after WW2 Europe was completely and I mean completely shattered! Only the neutrals such as Switzerland and Spain escaped the devastation of the war. For example, two of the victors such as Great Britain and France were left destitute, their infrastructure in a shambles and they still had imperial commitments to their colonies and dominions. Also, they were both flat broke!

In West Germany, the situation was even worse.

After WW1, the Allies had made Germany pay huge reparations. Germany could not afford to do so, and this approach had led directly to the rise of extremist political parties including the Nazi's (and we all know what they started...WW2).

The Marshall plan was a series of huge loans, both to the allies (France and Britain) and former foes (West Germany and Italy) that allowed them to rebuild their shattered society.

if i remember correctly, the loans, the loans were sold to the US people with the notion that America needed an affluent Europe to purchase US goods and trade. Plus it would keep the strong and growing Communist influence at bay.

A very poor answer, but i hope it starts you thinking...and researching!