*Any government that is willing to assist in the task of recovery will find full cooperation, I am sure, on the part of the United States Government. Any government which maneuvers to block the recovery of other countries cannot expect help from us. Furthermore, governments, political parties, or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery
In order to profit therefrom politically or otherwise will encounter the opposition of the United States." - From the Marshall Plan, 1947
How does this excerpt reflect the U. S. position in the world in the post-World War Il period?
The United States was attempting to establish itself as a leading international power but lacked the resources and leadership to back up its stated goals.
The United States was in a favorable economic position
help Europe recover, which gave it the political power to direct related international negotiations.
The United States was eager to restore productivity in its trading partners but did not want to appear discriminatory when it refused assistance to certain enemies.
The United States was firmly accepted as the leading nation of the world by that point, and other nations saw its statements as potential threats to their own future
security