History of the Cultural Cold War

Culture was a major way of waging the ideological aspect of the Cold War conflict, as each side tried to prove that their vision of the world was superior. This book examines the cultural aspect of the Cold War on a global scale, extending far beyond the two superpowers.During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union each aimed to convince their own citizens, allies, and other nations of the rightness (and ultimate victory) of their cause. This message was often transferred, consciously or unconsciously, through cultural means. This volume begins with an analysis of the historical developments in the period that stretched from the end of World War II to the start of the new conflict. Each subsequent chapter considers a different theme – consumer goods, literature, film, television, music, visual arts, sports, religion and children – and examines them in detail with regard to the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and East and West Germany, concluding in each case with two focus subjects that bring in other countries to provide a more universal overview and greater comparison.This book is aimed at scholars and can be used as a textbook at the undergraduate and graduate level.