The Marshall Plan Speech: Rhetoric and Diplomacy | National Humanities Center

America in Class Lessons

The Marshall Plan Speech: Rhetoric and Diplomacy

Advisor(s): Brenner, Philip

By Schramm, Richard R. (NHC Vice President for Education Programs, 1984–2016)

In his “Marshall Plan Speech” of June 5, 1947, Secretary of State George Marshall sought to describe the plight of post-War Europe, convince Congress and the American people that it was in the nation’s interest to relieve that plight, assure Europeans that America was not trying to dominate them, and calm the fears of the Soviets while warning them not to interfere with the initiative.

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Subjects

Political Science / History / Literary Criticism / Marshall Plan / Speeches / Rhetoric / Aftermath of World War II / Diplomacy / Primary Sources /