USA’s involvement in Europe
Marshall Aid
(June 1947)
Background:
Clayton returned from a fact-finding tour of Western Europe (May
1947).
He concluded that a failure to revive economies would damage the USA
economically.
He predicted loss of markets for American goods and the consequent
unemployment it would lead to.
His analysis exaggerated the economic importance of Europe to the USA.
What did he want the focus of US aid to be?
The focus of US aid should be on the restoration of Europe’s economic
strength, rather than on combating communism.
What was Marshall Aid?
Marshall Aid was a recovery programme after the devastations of
World War Two.
America was offering $13.5 billion to help rebuild Western European
countries.
The USA also offered this to the USSR.
Why did Stalin reject the offer of Marshall Aid?
Stalin didn’t want America spreading their influence.
How did Stalin respond to Marshall Aid?
Created Cominform in 1947 (developed by Zhdanov) which aimed to
coordinate communist parties in Europe.
Comecon was set up in 1949, aiming to coordinate economies of
communist parties (Stalin was making sure that they didn’t become
weak).
Marshall Aid
(June 1947)
Background:
Clayton returned from a fact-finding tour of Western Europe (May
1947).
He concluded that a failure to revive economies would damage the USA
economically.
He predicted loss of markets for American goods and the consequent
unemployment it would lead to.
His analysis exaggerated the economic importance of Europe to the USA.
What did he want the focus of US aid to be?
The focus of US aid should be on the restoration of Europe’s economic
strength, rather than on combating communism.
What was Marshall Aid?
Marshall Aid was a recovery programme after the devastations of
World War Two.
America was offering $13.5 billion to help rebuild Western European
countries.
The USA also offered this to the USSR.
Why did Stalin reject the offer of Marshall Aid?
Stalin didn’t want America spreading their influence.
How did Stalin respond to Marshall Aid?
Created Cominform in 1947 (developed by Zhdanov) which aimed to
coordinate communist parties in Europe.
Comecon was set up in 1949, aiming to coordinate economies of
communist parties (Stalin was making sure that they didn’t become
weak).
