What was one of the central aims of the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan aimed to prevent the spread of Soviet influence by facilitating the economic recovery of war-torn European nations after World War II. Introduced in 1948, this U.S. initiative provided significant financial aid to help restore the economic stability of these countries, which was seen as essential for promoting political stability as well. By revitalizing economies, the plan sought to strengthen these nations against potential communist ideologies that could gain traction in regions suffering from poverty and instability. This strategy was rooted in the belief that economic hardship could lead to political instability and increased susceptibility to Soviet influence. Thus, the focus of the Marshall Plan was on rebuilding Europe to ensure a barrier against communism rather than promoting it or establishing unified currency systems.