The Truman Doctrine was followed up in 1948 with the Marshall Plan. General George Marshall visited European countries to see the extent of the support needed for their recovery. Marshall had been Chief of Staff in the American army in World War Two and was then appointed Secretary of State. He had seen first-hand the damage that the war had done to European countries.
A system was set up where countries could apply for loans from America. In total, around $13 billion was given out across Europe in grants and loans. Stalin forbade any eastern bloc countries from accepting the offer of aid, claiming that the Marshall Plan was a way for America to interfere with the domestic affairs of other countries.
Technique Stop: Explain why the USA introduced Marshall Aid.(6)
