After World War II, the U.S. undertook the Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Program) to rebuild Europe. Initiated in 1948, this monumental project aimed to revive war-torn economies and prevent the spread of communism. The U.S. provided over $12 billion (equivalent to more than $100 billion today) in aid to Western European countries, facilitating reconstruction efforts, stabilizing democratic governments, and fostering economic cooperation. The Marshall Plan not only helped restore Europe’s economic strength but also strengthened political alliances, laying the groundwork for future European integration and economic collaboration.