Faculty Mentor

Dr. Dorothy Zeisler-Vralsted

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-22-2020

Department

International Affairs

Abstract

The Soviet Union (USSR) came into power in the late 1910s tearing down the tsar regime in Eastern Europe. Known for its massive propaganda scheme and anti-United States (US) rhetoric, Soviet propaganda was engrained in history books throughout the western world. The United States continually denounced the massive use of propaganda in the Soviet Union through the regimes lifespan, from it’s beginning to its collapse. Unknown to the public of this era is that the United States contributed in similar practices of states sponsor artwork, photographs, music, and publications rebranded as promotional work instead of propaganda. For example, when building the Grand Coulee Dam in the state of Washington the US produced music and commissioned photographers in order to inspire hope during the great depression. Similarly, the USSR had a state sponsored magazine The USSR in Construction to document and show the public, and foreign nations, the monumental works the government was building in order to modernize the state. This project focuses on 4 separate case studies of public work projects from both states and the propaganda affiliated with each work. With a goal of identifying similarities and differences in each actors use of propaganda during the interwar period. Furthermore, this project will bring awareness to American audiences about its influences and use of propaganda on its public during the interwar period which duplicate USSR strategies and may be seen today.

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