Marshall Plan Document 15

In July 1947, a nationwide poll showed that 51 percent of Americans had not heard of the Marshall Plan. The Truman Administration consequently launched a massive public relations campaign to educate the American public. Secretary Marshall and other members of the administration made numerous public appearances before civic and trade groups to promote the European aid program.

Privately organized groups were also encouraged to contribute to these efforts to influence public opinion through petitions to Congress and sponsorship of radio broadcasts, articles, and publications. This newspaper supplement produced by the Foreign Policy Association and the Washington Post championed the Marshall Plan during the time its passage was being debated in Congress. These efforts garnered wide public support for the plan.