Europe, 1948–1952
In the ruins of postwar Europe, cities lay shattered and economies crippled.
Amidst the devastation, the United States launched the Marshall Plan, an unprecedented program of economic aid and reconstruction.
Named after Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the plan aimed to restore prosperity, prevent the spread of communism, and stabilize the continent.
Billions of dollars flowed into infrastructure, industry, and agriculture, rekindling hope in nations battered by war.
Countries like West Germany, France, and Italy rebuilt their economies, fostering cooperation and peace.
The Marshall Plan not only rebuilt physical structures but also laid the groundwork for a new era of international collaboration.
It became a vital pillar in the postwar order, shaping the political and economic landscape for decades.