Effects Of Marshall Plan On American Leadership

According to The George Marshall C Marshall Foundation, in 1948 the Marshall Plan was conceived in an attempt to rebuild the economies and spirits of Western Europe nations after the Second World War. It states that being the only major power in the world not significantly damaged by the Second World War, the USA could lead the restoration of politically stability in Western Europe by revitalising its national economies. The USA had already been providing financial aid to Europe after the devastation of the Second World War. The war had led to famine and production was in ruins; in November 1945, George Marshall is quoted as saying ‘[T]he world of suffering people looks to us for leadership.’ Some such as Michael J Hogan regard the Marshall

Price stated that among the people who received Marshall Aid, fears and hopes were mingled. Some were indeed uncertain of American intentions and believed that the aid would jeopardise their freedom and draw them into another world war. This notion was elicited by the growing tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union after the Second World War. This indicates that there was a negative light shed on the Marshall Plan that would affect US leadership over the western European nations. This is reflected by Krige, ‘The French and Italian Communist parties organised militant campaigns against the Marshall Plan in the streets, factories and through the media.’ Not everyone in Western Europe acknowledged the supportive undertones of the Marshall Plan, not least the communists. Led by the Soviet Union, its allies denounced the Marshall Plan for attempting to strengthen US capitalism in Western Europe. This shows that the enemies of the Marshall Plan were convinced that the undercurrents of its economic motives were to strengthen American dominion in Western

Most of the resources purchased by the Western European nations with Marshall Aid was came from the US itself and this benefited American export industries. The multi-lateral trade links built had been successful in easing American capitalist hegemony. The Marshall Plan would lead to a period of economic boom that allowed the US to recover from a recent slump. French further demonstrates American success in the aftermath of the Marshall Plan, ‘In the long economic boom of 1949 to 1968, output, profits and productivity increased and business prospered.’ This would allow for America to continue to maintain a capitalist hegemonic leadership. Duignan and Gann reinforce the idea as American investment in Western Europe grew, more US patents found customers abroad. They illustrate the concept of the economic fortunes of America by supporting the claim that the 20th century was rightly dubbed ‘the American