The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, aimed to rebuild war-torn Europe after World War II. Initiated in 1948, it provided over $13 billion in financial assistance to help restore European economies, infrastructure, and industries. By promoting recovery, the plan sought to prevent the spread of communism and stabilize the region politically and economically. The aid facilitated the reconstruction of vital sectors and led to significant economic growth in several Western European countries. This effort also fostered collaboration among European nations, eventually paving the way for closer integration, and contributing to the formation of the European Union.