The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, aimed to provide economic assistance to European countries after the devastation of World War II. Introduced by U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall in 1947, the plan sought to rebuild war-torn economies, mitigate poverty, and prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing the region. The United States offered over $12 billion to aid Western European nations in reconstruction, which fostered economic cooperation and integration, strengthening ties among NATO countries. The success of the Marshall Plan not only revitalized the European economy but also played a crucial role in establishing a foundation for the European Union.