Final answer:
The Marshall Plan, launched in 1948 and overseen by Secretary of State George C. Marshall, was an American initiative that provided over $12 billion in economic aid to help rebuild European economies post-World War II, countering the spread of communism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The plan that involved the US providing money to rebuild Europe and make communism unappealing was the Marshall Plan. Initiated in 1948, the United States, under the direction of Secretary of State George C. Marshall, launched this economic aid program to help European nations rebuild their economies after World War II. The goal was to stave off the spread of communism by fostering economic stability through a capitalistic rebuilding of Western European nations. Financial support, food, and other material aid were provided to any European country that requested it, leading to a successful recovery in Western Europe and helping to diminish the appeal of communism.
The sheer scale of the Marshall Plan was immense, offering over $12 billion in economic aid, which today is valued around $147 billion. Notably, the Soviet Union and its satellite nations were pressured to reject the aid because it came with conditions that aimed to create economic interdependence with the West. This comprehensive recovery initiative played a crucial role in promoting the reconstruction of Europe, restoring global trade, and preventing both economic disorder and the spread of Communism in the region. Additionally, the Marshall Plan assisted in boosting the U.S. economy by ensuring European nations could purchase necessary materials from the United States, averting potential post-war economic depression.