What was the primary purpose of the Marshall Plan?

The primary purpose of the Marshall Plan was to aid European recovery after World War II. Officially known as the European Recovery Program, it was initiated in 1948 by Secretary of State George C. Marshall. The plan aimed to provide extensive financial support to help rebuild European economies that had been devastated by the war. This recovery effort was crucial for stabilizing the region, preventing economic collapse, and mitigating the spread of communism in Europe, which was a significant concern for the United States at the time. By addressing the economic needs of European countries, the Marshall Plan fostered political stability, encouraged trade, and laid the groundwork for future economic cooperation in the region, ultimately contributing to the formation of organizations such as the European Economic Community.