The war had done much to stimulate the depressed economy. And being far from Europe, it had not suffered the devastation of war. Because of this, the U.S. decided to use its prosperity to assist with the European recovery. According to the Marshall plan, European nations, including Germany, received food, machinery, fuel, and other necessities. A total of $13 billion was spent across 16 countries to revitalize national economies, prevent the spreading of communism, and lift morale.
