After World War II, an Iron Curtain descended across the European continent. All the historic nations of Central and Eastern Europe lay behind it, including Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest, and Sofia. These famous cities and the populations around them fell within the Soviet sphere of influence; they were not only influenced by the Soviet Union but in many cases directly controlled by Moscow.

The United States was deeply concerned about Europe. Britain warned of the communist threat facing Greece and Turkey, prompting President Truman to address Congress, declaring: “I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.”

Truman asked Congress to appropriate $400 million to provide aid to Greece and Turkey. Intense debate followed within the United States, but Congress ultimately approved Truman’s request. Truman acted immediately, helping to rescue the Greek economy and rebuild the Greek army. Soon afterward, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union ended their support for the Greek rebel forces, the Greek Civil War came to an end, and Greece did not fall under communist control.

Through the Marshall Plan, the United States offered assistance to all European countries. The Soviet Union and its allies refused to accept the aid, while sixteen other countries welcomed American support. From 1948 to 1952, the United States worked with these countries and provided a total of $13 billion in assistance.

The Marshall Plan proved effective. Agricultural production in recipient countries increased by 10 percent, industrial output rose by 35 percent, and industries such as steel experienced even greater growth.

The Marshall Plan also produced significant political effects. With strong economic support, the governments of France and Italy avoided falling under communist control.