ABSTRACT
A few weeks after the liberation of the country in 1945, the new Dutch government set up an urgent reconstruction programme aimed at the recovery of the most vital economic sectors and the reconstruction of infrastructure networks in order to sustain economic recovery. In addition to the devastated economic situation in the Netherlands, reflected in the dramatic shortages in the supply of products, raw materials and equipments, the financial position of the government deteriorated. Fortunately, the Marshall financial aid, started in June 1947, gave a major boost to the recovery of the Dutch economy. In addition, the Marshall aid set up grounds for sustainable economic growth during the postwar period.
