Projecting America, 1958

The Brussels World's Fair was perhaps the most important propaganda event to be staged for European allies by the Eisenhower administration, an administration that viewed culture as a necessary weapon in the battle against communism. This historical text examines how film played a pivotal role in the information war waged against the Soviets in the American pavilion at the fair. Topics covered include how the administration sought to create a visual rendition of America that was arresting and inspirational, and how film was used as a method of political persuasion.