Effect of war developments on attitude toward countries.

Abstract

By means of a simple survey technique, attitudes of Ohio State University students toward various countries were determined (1) after the invasion of Finland by Russia, (2) after the invasion of Norway by Germany, (3) after the invasion of Holland and Belgium, (4) after the surrender of the Belgian forces, and (5) in November, 1940, almost a year after the first testing. Clear changes in attitude were shown, some changes apparently being dependent largely upon a single major development, other shifts persumably the result of a series of events, plus propaganda. From December, 1939, to June, 1940, Great Britain steadily lost prestige, but by November, 1940, was again rated very high. France fell in favor due to her surrender, as did Belgium after her unexpected surrender. Germany, the most disapproved of all, showed little change throughout, although at the last testing there was some suggestion of a less condemnatory attitude. Greece increased in favor. There seemed to be a striking reflection of current events in the attitude data here presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)