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

The Marshall Plan was primarily designed to rebuild war-torn European economies following the devastation of World War II. Implemented in 1948, it aimed to provide substantial financial assistance to Western European countries, facilitating recovery and preventing the spread of communism. By investing over $12 billion (equivalent to roughly $130 billion today) in economic aid, the United States sought to restore industrial and agricultural production, stabilize currencies, and improve living standards in Europe.

The success of the Marshall Plan is credited with revitalizing European nations, paving the way for political stability and economic cooperation, which later contributed to the formation of the European Union. This focus on economic reconstruction and stability was critical during a time when the threat of Soviet expansion loomed large over the region.

Other options, while significant in various contexts, do not encapsulate the primary aim of the Marshall Plan. NATO and the United Nations were crucial for military and diplomatic cooperation, respectively, but were not directly linked to the economic rebuilding efforts represented by the Marshall Plan. The promotion of colonial independence addresses a different historical movement occurring during that era, primarily in the context of decolonization, and does not relate to the objectives of the Marshall Plan.