This aid to less fortunate nations helps to alleviate famine and the effects of disasters. It promotes agricultural and industrial production. It also provides U.S. know-how for basic health, education and housing needs, while rewarding governments for embracing American ideals and interests. Foreign aid is not just money. The United States aid program consists of development, economic, military and food assistance.
Development assistance provides training and advice in all areas.
Economic support contributes to the political stability and economic strength. Military aid provides grants and credits for the purchase of weapons, along with training and advice for the forces. Food aid is free or reduced-price agricultural products. One of the great historical successes of American foreign aid was the marshal plan. World War II left many scars in Western Europe and the United States.