Truman knew that Communism succeeded when countries were in poverty (people start looking to extreme governments). Truman sent general Marshall to asses the state of Europe. He found shortages of goods and rationing was still going on inn many countries. He suggested a sum of billion would be needed to repair war damage. The USA congress refused to grant this money. When Communists took over Czechoslovakia congress immediately accepted to give the sum of money. Although Marshall aid was generous it was motivated only by American self interest (to prevent Communism spreading). Stalin forbade Eastern European countries from applying for Marshall Aid. Russia felt America was trying to dominate countries by making them dependant on dollars.
