The U.S. policy to give financial aid to European countries after World War II was known as the Marshall Plan, which was announced by U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947. The Marshall Plan provided economic assistance to European countries to help rebuild their economies and infrastructure, which had been devastated by the war. The goal of the Marshall Plan was to prevent the spread of communism and to promote economic recovery and stability in Europe. Under the Marshall Plan, the U.S. government provided financial aid to European countries in the form of grants, loans, and technical assistance. This aid was used for a wide range of projects, including the reconstruction of transportation networks, the development of new industries, and the modernization of agricultural systems. The Marshall Plan was implemented for four years, from 1948 to 1952, and was considered a success in helping European countries to rebuild and recover after the war.