U.S. aid to Greece was intended to help the nation emerge from the crippling devastation of World War II, as well as thwart the spread of communism. This poster appeared all over Greece as part of U.S. aid programs and encouraged children to drink milk sent by the United States. It says, “Children of Greece, drink milk! It is strengthening and health giving.”
Associated Press
“Greek Poster Depicts U.S. Aid,” photograph by New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper, February 28, 1948
Providing Aid to Europe
After World War II, Congress approved foreign aid for war-torn nations and grappled with the Soviet Union’s aggressive efforts to impose communism on sovereign nations. As the United States faced a new “Cold War” with the Soviets, Congress approved $400 million of military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey in 1947. Less than a year later, Congress authorized legislation to provide $13 billion of aid to Western European nations, known as the Marshall Plan.
The bill constitutes the foundation of a long delayed and desperately needed foreign policy, for the guidance of our nation in discharging the inescapable responsibilities as world leader in behalf of universal, personal, and national freedom, security, and peace.
Representative Charles A. Eaton of New Jersey, Speech to the U.S. House of Representatives on the Economic Cooperation Act (Marshall Plan), March 23, 1948
U.S. aid to Greece was intended to help the nation emerge from the crippling devastation of World War II, as well as thwart the spread of communism. This poster appeared all over Greece as part of U.S. aid programs and encouraged children to drink milk sent by the United States. It says, “Children of Greece, drink milk! It is strengthening and health giving.”
Associated Press
