Cold War Propaganda
Mary-Catherine Crutchfield
To what extend did the early Cold War propaganda in the United States gain the public's overall support?
The propaganda all include two major themes to gain the support of the United States citizens; they all include either ideas of anti-communism or the superiority of American ideals.
Types of Propaganda
Television
There were occasional television journalists that were aired on the Television that had much influence in the public's eyes. These journalists openly criticized the idea of communism in general by pointing out the stereotypical flaws that communism has, affecting the overall perspective that the people had on communism.
Leave it To Beaver
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Movies
Other popular movies included ideas of anti-communism by portraying aliens as shadowy forces who only want to take over the world. The anti-communism affected the perception of the Soviet Union in the American's mind, which allowed the US Government to "win over" the support of the citizens.
Literature
The literature appeal to all audiences. The Red Rape appeals to the female audience and the Purgatory of the Conquered appeals to the male audience. It was one of the worst fears at the time to be under the control of communism, so these books promoted the US Government's democracy and criticized communism.
Purgatory of the Conquered by Joseph L. Whatley
Red Rape by Connie Sellers
Is This Tomorrow?
Music and the Arts
The United States gave significant funding to several orchestras and jazz bands to travel to the USSR in hopes to demonstrate the artistic advantages of capitalism. This idea of superiority promoted patriotism, which allowed the US Government to gain the support of the majority of its citizens.