don't forget that the Marshall aid also prevent a massive economic crisis in the US. After world war 2, employment collapsed because of the downturn of the war

don't forget that the Marshall aid also prevent a massive economic crisis in the US. After world war 2, employment collapsed because of the downturn of the war economy. From a realpolitik perspective, its a smart move. Using the marshall aid to get influence in europe, prevent your main competitor from gaining further foothold on the continent and also having market (which requires a near complete rebuildup) for your economy to divert to after the collapse of the war economy.