Strength for the Free World Part 5

Description

This film discusses why the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) disbursed over 12.5 billion dollars in grants and loans to put Western Europe back on its feet again after World War II, and describes how the 80 (per capita) American tax dollars were spent and what they accomplished. Western Europe found itself ravaged by war and unable to start on the road to recovery without massive outside help. Lack of work and food caused widespread despair, and the Continent was rife for the blandishments of communism. European leaders recognized the danger, as did the American government, which is why the Marshall Plan was launched. Its successes are presented in roughly chronological order in this film — the year-by-year increase in agricultural and industrial output, the resurgence of trade within Europe, and trade with the United States and other nations, thus promoting restoration of confidence in the future. French Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Buron reviews the progress in a long on-camera statement, as does Secretary of State George Marshall. Addressed to an American audience at the height of the Cold War, the film characterizes the accomplishments of the Marshall Plan, largely in the rhetoric of the day. This is a Marshall Plan film, produced by the MSA Film Section, Paris, for MSA Washington.

Collection

Records of the U.S. Information Agency

Series

Moving Images Relating to U.S. Domestic and International Activities