What was the Marshall plan's purpose? A) to punish Germany for WWII B) to help rebuild war torn Europe Eliminate C) to punish the Soviet Union for turning to communism D) both A and C

B to help rebuild war torn Europe

Explanation:

For the allied forces (US, Russia and Brittain) it was clear from the start that the mistakes of a penal peace (make Germany bleed for having been the agressor, which ultimately led to world war II) in world war I should be avoided this time. Thus the Marshall plan (largely financed by the US) led to  rebuilding the West European states. This was to the advantage of the US because an economic healthy (West) Europe would help the Atlantic hegemony of the US, control the Russian influence and finally would also have large economic benefits for the US export to Europe.

b) to encourage free trade