What was the primary purpose of the Marshall Plan after World War II?

The primary purpose of the Marshall Plan after World War II was to support the rebuilding of European economies. Officially known as the European Recovery Program, this initiative was launched by the United States in 1948 to provide financial aid to help restore the war-torn economies of Western Europe. The underlying motivation for the Marshall Plan was to stabilize these economies to prevent the spread of communism and to promote political stability and economic recovery.

By offering aid—amounting to around $13 billion (approximately $140 billion today)—the U.S. aimed to rebuild infrastructure, revitalize industry, and improve living conditions in devastated regions. This assistance not only helped to alleviate poverty and suffering but also fostered conditions that would allow democratic governments to flourish and align more closely with American interests.

The other options presented do not accurately capture the main objectives of the Marshall Plan. While it indirectly contributed to strengthening military alliances through the economic stability it provided, that was not its primary goal. Establishing colonies in Africa and Asia was not related to the Marshall Plan, as U.S. post-war policy largely shifted away from colonialism. Although the promotion of democratic elections in Eastern Europe became a concern during the Cold War, the Marshall Plan was primarily focused on Western Europe, which had