The end of the Second World War in 1945 left Europe economically devastated. Industrial infrastructure was destroyed, transport networks were disrupted, agricultural production had declined sharply, and millions were displaced. Hyperinflation, shortages of food and fuel, and the collapse of trade further deepened the crisis. In this context, economic recovery and development in post-war Europe involved a combination of domestic reconstruction efforts, international assistance, institutional innovation, and structural transformation, leading to unprecedented growth between the late 1940s and the early 1970s. One of the most significant factors in Western Europe’s recovery was the Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, initiated by the United States in 1947. Between 1948 and 1952, substantial financial aid was provided to Western European countries to rebuild industries, modernize agriculture, stabilize currencies, and restore trade. Beyond financial assistance, the Marshall Plan encouraged economic cooperation among European states, leading to the establishment of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC). The aid helped restore confidence, stimulated investment, and integrated Western European economies into a liberal international trading system under American leadership. Domestic reforms were equally important. Governments adopted policies aimed at full employment, industrial modernization, and social welfare. In countries such as France, Italy, and West Germany, state intervention played a crucial role. France implemented indicative planning through the Monnet Plan, which prioritized