What was one of the main intentions behind the Marshall Plan?

The main intention behind the Marshall Plan was to assist in the economic recovery of Europe following the devastation of World War II. Launched in 1948, the plan provided over $12 billion in economic aid to help rebuild European economies. The underlying belief was that a prosperous Europe would be less vulnerable to the spread of communism. By revitalizing European economies, the plan aimed to promote political stability and prevent the economic hardships that could lead to social unrest and the rise of extremist political movements. This strategy was crucial in fostering long-term recovery and ensuring the political alignment of European nations with the West during the Cold War. The aid included funding for infrastructure, industry, and agriculture, fundamentally strengthening the economic foundations of Western European countries.