The largest witch hunt in American history took place in the 1950s. Fear of communism not only led to the ostracization of suspected communist party members, but it fostered an era of anti-communist propaganda. This collection contains some of the most riveting anti-communism films ever assembled. The fear of limited liberties and freedom, poverty, disease, and oppression set the tempo of Cold War sentiments in “Anti-Communist Propaganda of the 1950s,” and is a true political instrument aimed at preventing the spread of communism.
Included Films:
Defense Against Enemy Propaganda
Defense Against Enemy Propaganda
Produced: 1950s
Length: 28 Minutes
The best defense against propaganda is education – knowing how to recognize propaganda as lies and distortion and what to do to not fall victim to these lies. Defense Against Enemy: Propaganda, uses stock footage, coupled with strong narration, to show the tools necessary for military and civilian alike, to guard against the slander of enemy tongues. Guarding against propaganda is as important as guarding state secrets because information and knowledge is a powerful tool the “enemy” uses to gain spies and support in America. Strong rhetoric and over the top patriotism serves a hot plate of irony for what ultimately ends up as propagandist message to support America.
Eagle Cage: Czech - German Border
Eagle Cage: Czech – German Border
Produced: 1960
“Eagle Cage: Czech – German Border,” a group of Americans travel to the East German border comparing east and west freedoms. Stress is placed on Radio Free Europe and the people speaking out against the oppression of communism.
Moscow To Mekong: Communist Aggression
Moscow To Mekong: Communist Aggression
Produced: 1950
Length: 37 Minutes
At the height of the Cold War there was no greater ally to the United States than those countries who enjoyed the freedom and prosperity of democracy. Thailand was one such country and produced “Moscow to Mekong: Communist Aggression,” which America then translated and re-released to show the American people how others were fighting against the tyranny of communism. Anti-communist propaganda is put to contrast with the democratic system of Thailand. The shown hardships of communism, like no personal property, no religion, no freedom beyond the thin veil of showy words, are portrayed in great detail, marking the differences between the two forms of government and celebrating the independent nature of all Thai people.
The Big Lie
The Big Lie
Produced: 1950s
Length: 20 Minutes
Adolf Hitler said, “The great masses of the people will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.” This is the basis of “The Big Lie,” a scare tactic propaganda piece aimed to warn the people from the tyranny of dictatorship and the communists. The message of the film – made during the Cold War – is to beware of communism and to not fall victim to Stalin and his ‘gang of oppressors.’ It plays upon the fears of the times, showing communist countries where people are without possessions or free will, their lives made dismal by the totalitarian governments under which they live.
The Lodge Act Soldier
The Lodge Act Soldier
Produced: 1950s
Length: 28 Minutes
“The Lodge Act Soldier,” is an attempt to draw soviet spies from beyond the Cold War fetters of Russia. It is a promise to soldiers that if they spend a certain amount of time in the military aiding against Russian aggression they will be given American citizenship.
Unconquerable Tibet: Anti-Communist Revolt
Unconquerable Tibet: Anti-Communist Revolt
Produced: 1959
Length: 9 Minutes
Tibet is a land known for spiritual, loving people dominated by a simple way of living and a respect for nature and the land. In 1950 after a decisive battle the Communist Party of China seized control of the non-hostile land creating one of the most controversial government seizures in the twentieth century. “Unconquerable Tibet: Anti-Communist Revolt,” documents the Dalai Lama’s uprising against the oppressive Chinese occupation and his consequent allegiance with India against China. The message is that, even though he is forced to flee, the idea of freedom is not lost and the country will again see the roots of a free land.
