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For European Recovery:
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Key Dates for the Marshall Plan
- March 12, 1947
The "Truman Doctrine," outlined in a presidential speech to Congress,
makes it U.S. policy to protect nations threatened by communism. - June 5, 1947
In a speech at the Harvard commencement, Secretary of State George C.
Marshall calls for an American plan to help Europe recover from
World War II. - June 19, 1947
The British and French Foreign ministers issue a joint communiqué inviting
twenty-two European nations to send representatives to Paris to draw up
a cooperative recovery plan. - July 12, 1947
The Conference of European Economic Cooperation, which became the
Committee of European Economic Cooperation (CEEC), meets in Paris.
The Soviet Union declines to attend and pressures Czechoslovakia, Poland,
and Hungary into staying away. - September 1947
The CEEC submits its report estimating needs and the cost of the
European Recovery Program (ERP) over four years. It provides for the
establishment of the Organization for European Economic Cooperation
(OEEC) to coordinate the program from the European side. - February 1948
A Soviet-backed, communist coup occurs in Czechoslovakia.
- April 2, 1948
Congress passes the Economic Cooperation Act that authorizes the
Marshall Plan. President Truman signs it the next day. - April 1948
Paul Hoffman of Studebaker Corporation is appointed Administrator of the
Economic Cooperation Agency (ECA), the temporary American agency
created to implement the plan. Averell Harriman is appointed special
representative of the ECA in Europe. - April 15, 1948
First official meeting of the OEEC in Paris to determine national needs
prior to passage of appropriations bill by U.S. Congress. - June 30, 1949
The Federal Republic of Germany officially enters the OEEC in the
second year of the program. - December 31, 1951
The ERP ends six months early because of the escalation of the Korean
War, which had begun in June 1950. Transfer of funds from the U. S. to
Europe had totaled $13.3 billion. - July 5, 1972
In a speech at the Harvard commencement, West German chancellor Willy
Brandt announces creation of the German Marshall Fund to thank the U.S.
for its assistance.
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