“The Marshall Plan was essential to the reconstruction of France and West Germany between 1945 and 1963.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. The Marshall Plan contributed to the division of Germany by 1949. In the initial stage of reconstruction, Marshall Aid financed the rebuilding of industrial plants, but it was arguably the policies of Adenauer that encouraged further investment and growth. He insisted that profits should be invested and the Works Law (1952) ensured good labour relations, both of which contributed to the “economic miracle” in West Germany. France received 18% of the total amount of Marshall Aid and this contributed to initial reconstruction of industry, however, there was little impact on agriculture. Some may argue that Marshall Aid provided some resources and the model for the Monnet Plan that led to continued modernization and development in the 1950s. Candidates may argue that closer European integration with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community was more important than Marshall Aid for full reconstruction and economic growth.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Marshall Plan was essential to the reconstruction of France and West Germany between 1945 and 1963. Some candidates did not seem to have the knowledge base to answer this question about the Marshall Plan and tended to use broad statements about the onset of the Cold War.