USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Although offered participation, the Soviet Union refused Plan benefits and also blocked benefits to Eastern Bloc countries, such as Romania and Poland. The United States provided similar aid programs in Asia but they were not part of the Marshall Plan. Its role in rapid recovery has been debated.

Detailed explanation-2: -President Harry Truman signed the Marshall Plan on April 3, 1948, and aid was distributed to 16 European nations, including Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, West Germany and Norway.

Detailed explanation-3: -Soviet Foreign Minister V. M. Molotov walks out of a meeting with representatives of the British and French governments, signaling the Soviet Union’s rejection of the Marshall Plan.

Detailed explanation-4: -Japan never received the tremendous amount of economic aid that the United States provided Europe under the Marshall Plan. But during the Korean War (1950-53), Japan served as a staging area for U.S. forces and benefited economically.