HUMP DAY ! Worksheet Answers The Marshall Plan, developed by the US and the U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall, assisted European countries with their economic needs so that material and financial aid from the United States could be used to rebuild war torn countries who applied. The United States initially focused on industry and farming. The major objective was the containment of growing Soviet influence (through national Communist parties), especially in Czechoslovakia, France, and Italy. 1. The aid came in the form of money that was loaned at low interest rates. 2. It also came in the form of grant money and supplies. Loans have to be repaid, and if not there is a penalty. A grant does not have to be repaid. The Missouri Mule because it helped them till their soil and was so much stronger the farmers could get much more work done more efficiently. Governments had to be stable, and with those who appeared to be leaning towards a Communist government, we developed a method that would influence local politicians to support a Democratic government. 1. For example, letters were written from Italian immigrants in the US to family members in Italy to vote for a Democratic government candidate. 2. Movies were shown in town squares in the small villages showing how the communist would destroy churches. The Catholic Church went so far as excommunicating any of its members who were communist, and even the Pope spoke out against communism. 3. The CIA sent operatives to Italy with bags of money to support democratic candidates. They would use the money to purchase the necessary items needed by a candidate to run for office. Advertisement came in the form of flyers pasted on telephone poles, walls, and in shop windows. Billboards, posters, and mobile signs on bicycles all were employed to promote Democratic candidates.