Marshall Plan

1. Marshall Plan • Much of Europe was in bad shape after WWII • Many major cities were destroyed, industrial facilities in ruins, shortages on food, millions displaced from their homes living in shelters • Created by Secretary of State George Marshall • Was an American aide program geared toward Europe

2. Marshall Plan • With the Goals of: rebuilding a war-devastated region, removing trade barriers, modernizing industry, and making Europe prosperous again • It was offered to the Soviet Union as well as the rest of Europe, but the Soviets declined • 13 billion dollars in aid given

3. Post War Division • The four zones were located roughly around the current locations of the allied armies. • Additionally, the German capital of Berlin was to be divided into four sectors: the French sector, British Sector, American sector and the Soviet sector.

5. Berlin Airlift • In June 1948 the Soviet Union blocked the Western Allies' railway, road and canal access to the sectors of Berlin under Allied control. • Their aim was to force the western powers to allow the Soviet zone to start supplying Berlin with food and fuel, thereby giving the Soviets practical control over the entire city. • In response the United States and the United Kingdom flew over 200,000 flights in a one year, providing up to 4700 tons of daily necessities such as fuel and food to the Berliners

6. Berlin Airlift • The airlifts success brought embarrassment to the Soviets who had refused to believe it could make a difference • The blockade was lifted in May 1949 and resulted in the creation of two separate German states. The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) split up Berlin