Title: The Marshall Plan
Headings: The Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan
A Post-WWII Economic-Aid Program
Europe: Immediate Post-War Period
Appointment of George Marshall
The Creation of the Marshall Plan
Participating Nations
Legacy of the Marshall Plan

Content: Clayton was a businessman and government official who focused on European economic issues; he helped lend specific economic insight into the plan’s development. The Marshall Plan was crafted to provide specific economic aid to European countries to revitalize their economies by focusing on the creation of modern post-war industries and the expansion of their international trade opportunities. Additionally, countries used the funds to purchase manufacturing and revitalization supplies from American companies; therefore fueling the American post-war economy in the process. The initial announcement of the Marshall Plan occurred on June 5, 1947, during a speech Marshall made at Harvard University; however, it did not become official until it was signed into law by Truman ten months later. The legislation was titled the Economic Cooperation Act and the aid program was called the Economic Recovery Program. Participating Nations
Although the Soviet Union was not excluded from participating in the Marshall Plan, the Soviets and their allies were unwilling to meet the terms established by the Plan. Ultimately, 17 countries would benefit from the Marshall Plan.