World War II left the finances and industry of Europe crippled. In 1947, Marshall proposed a plan for the US to finance the European recovery. From 1948 to 1952, it provided almost $13 billion in grants and loans to 17 countries and was a key factor in reviving their economies and stabilizing their political structures. While most of Europe embraced the plan, it was strongly opposed by the Soviet Union and some Eastern European nations. How, according to Marshall, would this plan benefit the US? Discuss (http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst26636_US-Secretary-of-State-George-Marshall-Announces-the-Marshall-Plan--1947-.aspx)
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