Which policy was aimed at preventing the spread of Communism in Europe through economic means?

The correct choice is the Marshall Plan, which was a significant U.S. initiative introduced in 1948 to aid Western Europe in its recovery after World War II. The plan allocated approximately $13 billion in economic assistance to help rebuild European economies, providing financial aid for the reconstruction of war-torn regions and stabilizing economies that were vulnerable to communist influence. The underlying goal was to promote economic stability, which in turn would help prevent the spread of communism by addressing the poverty and despair that could make countries susceptible to communist ideologies.

The key feature of the Marshall Plan was its recognition that economic hardship could lead to political instability and an increase in the appeal of totalitarian regimes. By facilitating economic recovery and fostering political cooperation among Western European nations, the United States aimed to create a bulwark against communist expansion.

Other options, while relevant to the broader context of U.S. policy during the Cold War, employed different strategies. The Truman Doctrine focused on military and political intervention to support countries resisting communism. The NATO Alliance established a collective defense mechanism against potential Soviet aggression, whereas the Berlin Airlift was a specific response to the Soviet blockade of Berlin in 1948, aimed at maintaining access to the city rather than a broader economic policy. Each