Between 1948 and 1952 the United States invested #13 billion in Western Europe. Why?

The United States invested $13 billion in Western Europe between 1948 and 1952 as part of the Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program. This massive investment was aimed at helping Western European countries rebuild their economies and infrastructure after the destruction caused by World War II. The goal of the Marshall Plan was to prevent the spread of communism in Europe and promote economic stability and democratic governance in the region. The plan was seen as a way to create strong, prosperous allies in Europe and prevent the Soviet Union from gaining influence in the region. Ultimately, the Marshall Plan was successful in helping Western Europe recover and rebuild, leading to increased prosperity and stability in the region.