Which countries were primarily targeted for aid under the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was primarily aimed at assisting the Allied powers in World War II as they worked to rebuild their economies and infrastructure after the devastation caused by the war. The primary goal was to restore economic stability in Western Europe to prevent the spread of communism by fostering political stability.

Countries such as France, West Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom received substantial financial aid through this plan, which helped them recover from wartime destruction and mitigate the economic hardships faced after the conflict. The program not only provided financial assistance but also facilitated trade, improved industrial productivity, and bolstered political cooperation among Western European nations, which were vital for a stable and prosperous region during the onset of the Cold War.

In contrast, Eastern European countries were largely under Soviet influence and chose not to participate in the Marshall Plan, while Axis powers, which were defeated in World War II, did not receive aid, as they were being punished for their roles in the war. Countries affected by the Cold War, primarily Soviet-aligned states, did not benefit from the Marshall Plan as this initiative was specifically targeted at Western nations to counter the influence of communism.