Economic Cooperation Administration facts for kids

The Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) was a special agency created by the United States government in 1948. Its main job was to manage the Marshall Plan, which was a big program to help European countries rebuild after World War II. The ECA worked closely with both the U.S. State Department and the Department of Commerce.

This poster was made to help promote the Marshall Plan in Europe. It shows flags of the countries that received help.

What Was the Economic Cooperation Administration?

The Economic Cooperation Administration, or ECA, was like a helping hand from the United States to Europe. After World War II, many parts of Europe were destroyed. Cities were in ruins, and people needed food, homes, and jobs. The Marshall Plan was designed to provide money and resources to help these countries recover.

The ECA was the team in charge of making sure this help got to where it was needed. It was a very important part of rebuilding Europe and preventing further problems after the war.

How Did the ECA Help Europe?

The ECA had offices in the capital cities of all 16 countries that were part of the Marshall Plan. These countries included places like France, Italy, and West Germany. The idea was for the ECA to help manage the rebuilding projects in each country.

However, the people living in Europe knew best what their countries needed. So, the ECA decided to listen to them. They let local officials decide what was most important for their own reconstruction. This way, the help was used in the most effective way for each country.

Who Led the ECA?

The ECA was led by important business figures. The first head of the agency was Paul G. Hoffman. He used to be a leader at a car company called Studebaker.

Later, in 1950, William Chapman Foster took over as the head of the ECA. Other key people included Arthur A. Kimball, who helped start the ECA, and David K.E. Bruce. Bruce had worked in Europe during World War II. These leaders used their experience to help guide the ECA's efforts.

Important People at the ECA

• Paul G. Hoffman: The first leader of the ECA. He came from the car industry.
• William Chapman Foster: He became the head of the ECA in 1950.
• Arthur A. Kimball: He played a big part in setting up the ECA.
• David K.E. Bruce: He had experience working in Europe during the war.

What Happened to the ECA?

The Economic Cooperation Administration did its job for a few years. In 1951, it was replaced by a new agency called the Mutual Security Agency. This new agency continued to help with security and development around the world.

The Mutual Security Agency was one of the early versions of what is now known as the United States Agency for International Development. This agency still works today to provide help and support to countries around the world.