What was the primary goal of the Marshall Plan?

The primary goal of the Marshall Plan was to rebuild the economies of European countries after World War II. This initiative, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was launched in 1948 and aimed to provide extensive financial assistance for the reconstruction of war-torn Europe. The devastation following the war left many countries struggling with their economies, infrastructure, and basic living conditions.

By providing aid, the United States sought not only to help Europe recover but also to stabilize the region economically and politically, thereby reducing the appeal of communism. This economic revival was crucial for a continent that had faced significant destruction, and it also played a strategic role in fostering strong economic ties with Western nations.

While the other options incorporate relevant historical themes, they do not capture the primary objective of the Marshall Plan as effectively. Promoting democracy in Eastern Europe and containing the spread of communism were indeed important aspects of U.S. foreign policy during this era, but they were not the primary focus of the Marshall Plan itself. Similarly, while support for NATO was part of the broader context of post-war reconstruction and security, it was not the fundamental aim of the Marshall Plan specifically.