The Marshall Plan - a turning point

Created: 06/13/2022, 15:35

Eric Nelson from the Marshall Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen © Thomas Sehr

In June 2022, the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan will be celebrated.

Its impact was historic.

A guest post by Eric Nelson.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen - There have only been a few events in history that steered the fate of entire continents in a positive direction.

Only a few visionaries were able to overcome common thought patterns and revolutionize the foundations of modern civilization.

Such a turning point came about 75 years ago with the speech of an American statesman.

On June 5, 1947, then-US Secretary of State George C. Marshall laid the foundation for the success that changed the fate of European states after a devastating World War II.

On June 5th we mark the 75th anniversary of the implementation of the Marshall Plan.

This anniversary also marks the transition from memory to history.

Soon there will be no one who remembers the plan as a contemporary witness.

The Marshall Plan will then only be known from history books.

This anniversary is therefore an appropriate time to recall, evaluate and learn from historical events and impacts.

75 years of the Marshall Plan: breaking the vicious circle of historical events

Marshall's vision brought humanity one step closer to world peace.

He wanted to restore the confidence of the European people in democracy and in the economic future of their countries and of Europe as a whole, breaking the vicious circle of historical events.

His belief that "the United States should do everything in its power to contribute to the return to normal, healthy economic conditions in the world, without which there can be no political stability and assured peace," showed that the United States and Europe had learned from the history of the First World War.

The plan was a way for the US to make tough decisions for the good of the world while supporting a former adversary to bring lasting peace and prosperity to Europe and make Germany the strong democracy it is today.

"Our policy is not against any country or doctrine, but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos."

George C Marshall

The Marshall Plan modernized Western European economies

The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was a four-year, $13 billion project to support Europe's economic recovery after World War II.

That equates to more than $160 billion today.

The offer of help was also addressed to the Soviet Union and the member states of the Warsaw Pact, but was rejected.

The Marshall Plan was more than an aid program - it became a vision for a better future for all, regardless of the past.

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The plan modernized Western European economies, put them on the path to prosperity and integration, renewed Western Europe's confidence in democracy and capitalism, and set the stage for the building of a strong economic union and eventually a military alliance.

The Marshall Plan alone was not responsible for rebuilding Europe, but it laid the foundation for the economic miracle and today's Europe.

The plan led to the creation of many powerful institutions, including the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), whose 38 member states are committed to promoting prosperity, well-being, equality and opportunity for all.

The Marshall Plan was also the turning point for the vibrant partnership that exists between the United States and Germany today.

The Marshall Plan laid the foundation for a committed transatlantic alliance that also includes all other Western European states that stand up for democracy and freedom.

75 years of the Marshall Plan: A transatlantic alliance is more important today than ever

With the new conflict in Europe sparked by Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a strong and unshakable transatlantic alliance is more important than ever.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin destroys peace and international order, the transatlantic alliance must stand firm against tyranny.

As Federal President Steinmeier said: "Our community is the community of liberal democracies that put the strength of the law above the law of the strong".

Or, in the words of President Biden, “This is a battle between the usefulness of 21st century democracies and autocracies.”

We who share so many important values ​​- democracy, human rights, the rule of law, prosperity and equal opportunity - must stand together.

The United States has no better partner in the world than Germany.

Eric Nelson is Associate Director of the George C. Marshall European Center For Security Studies.

The study center is supported by the US and the German Ministry of Defence.

Military personnel and civilian government representatives are trained in courses.

It has resided in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in a former barracks, the so-called Jäger barracks, since 1992.