Go home Erpinotto! Propagandistic booklets reserved for young people and children in the Italy of the Marshall Plan

Abstract

The article deals with the cultural propaganda programme implemented by the United States in Italy during the years of the Marshall Plan, with particular attention to publications and brochures aimed at young people, children and students, who were considered a target group for the objectives of Usis (United States Information Service) and the Information Division of the Eca (Economic Cooperation Administration). Taking into consideration the contents of atlases, comics, games and shows envisaged by the American mission and by operation “Bambi”, the research highlights the messages of growth, modernisation and productivity that were typical of the American way of life, also highlighting how much the economic development and aid programme for the populations was an integral part of the American policy of containing and fighting Communism.