September 26, 1957, New York Times
Red Army Soldiers in the USSR. 1941. Library of Congress
The paradox of America’s self-professed values of democracy in contrast to the domestic treatment of African-Americans was noted internationally.
Throughout the Cold War, America and the USSR engaged in a psychological war as well, targeting all aspects of each other’s society. The status of African-Americans was an easy target for Soviet propaganda, which noted the hypocrisies of championing the spread of democracy while some of America’s own citizens lacked equal rights.
Freedom to the prisoners of Scottsboro!, 1932. Brown University Library
The Shame of America, 1968. Brown University Library
And You Are Lynching Negroes, 1930, NYPL Digital Collection
Black and White, 1932, PBS Learning Media
America also needed to combat an image of cultural inferiority in comparison to centuries-old European institutions. Furthermore, newly-independent nations were hesitant of American intentions and heavy opposition existed as well.
