How did the Marshall Plan intensify the cold war?

Answer 1

The Marshall Plan or European Economic Recovery Plan was allegedly created to bring Europe back to prewar economic status after the devastation of World War II. The real intent, however, was for a unified Western Europed the Soviet Union. Term the United States knew the Soviet Union would have no choice but to reject (such as no communist influence) were deliberately included. As a result, the Soviet Union rejected the plan and was denied recovery funds. In the long run, this may have decided the outcome of the Cold War.

Answer 2

Marshall Plan was USA's aid to resurrect European economies post WWII. USA dished out 13 billion dollars in total for rehabilitation and reconstruction to different European countries. Soviet Union was invited to be a part of this plan but Stalin despite initial warmth, backed out. He thought that terms and conditions of the plan did not suit Soviet Union's interests and could lead to the establishment of an anti-Soviet block in Europe.