What were the main outcomes of the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan was a significant initiative launched in 1948 to aid the economic recovery of Western European countries after World War II. The primary goals of the plan were to rebuild war-torn regions, remove trade barriers, modernize industry, and improve European prosperity. By providing substantial financial aid, the United States aimed not only to promote recovery but also to prevent the spread of communism in a region that was vulnerable to Soviet influence and control.

The economic recovery in Western Europe, manifested through rapid industrial growth and improved living standards, was crucial in stabilizing these nations politically and economically. This recovery played a key role in ensuring that countries remained aligned with capitalist economic systems and democratic governments, effectively contributing to the strategy of containment against communism. As a result, the Marshall Plan is widely recognized as a successful measure that bolstered Western Europe against Soviet expansion and laid the groundwork for a more prosperous and stable region, significantly impacting the trajectory of the Cold War.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the outcomes of the Marshall Plan. Sovereign independence for Eastern Europe was more negatively affected by Soviet control rather than aided by the plan. The strengthening of communist regimes was counteracted by the Marshall Plan, which aimed to provide support to non-