April 3, 1948: President Truman signed the Marshall Plan — which aimed to rebuild Europe after World War II. The $13 billion Marshall Plan ($120 billion in today's dollars) was named for Secretary of State George Marshall, who said Europe, devastated during the war, needed help getting back on its feet. The Marshall Plan did just that, while it also counterbalanced growing Soviet power on the continent. The Soviet Union, also devastated during the war, was also offered help; Premier Stalin refused to accept it.
April 3, 1974: After investigating President Nixon's finances, the Internal Revenue Service ordered him to pay $432,787 in back taxes and $33,000 interest.
Quote of the day
"The President is always abused. If he isn't, he isn't doing anything." — Harry Truman
More from West Wing Reports...
THE WEEK'S AUDIOPHILE PODCASTS: LISTEN SMARTER
- 5 legitimate scientific controversies
- How to be the most productive person in your office — and still get home by 5:30 p.m.
- 10 things you need to know today: October 2, 2014
- 43 TV shows to watch in 2014
- Libertarianism's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea
- How liberals are unwittingly paving the way for the legalization of adult incest
- Ted Cruz is the new Sarah Palin
- Why the Rubio-Lee tax plan is great politics — and great policy
- 6 things the happiest families all have in common
- Why I got married — without a wedding
Subscribe to the Week