Examine the role of the Marshall Plan in the reconstruction of France and West Germany (1945–1963).

The question requires that candidates examine the interrelationship between the Marshall Plan and the reconstruction of France and West Germany (1945–1963). Candidates may offer equal coverage of France and West Germany, or they may prioritize their examination of one. However, the reconstruction of both countries will be a feature of the response. The plan consisted of $1.4 billion of economic assistance for West Germany but the figure was higher for France. Some may argue that it sparked the industrial renewal of France as it received $2 billion in grants and was the second highest beneficiary of Marshall Aid. Candidates may refer to the interrelationship between the Marshall Plan and the political imperative of stopping the spread of communism. This was the case with the reconstruction of West Germany, as it was bordering the Soviet sphere of influence. Candidates may explore its impact regionally in catalysing economic unity in Europe by helping to spark the birth of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC). Other relevant interrelationships may be considered, for example the link between aid and economic recovery as France began to recover even before the Marshall Plan was put in place. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates examine the interrelationship between the Marshall Plan and the reconstruction of France and West Germany (1945 1963). Few responses were seen to this question. Candidates tended to know more about West Germany than France.