An exploration of how the theme of Anti-Americanism was employed by influential sections of the West German media to oppose the modernisation of the Federal Republic of Germany during the 'long 1950s'. In the public battle over the future direction of Germany, America stood as a symbol of social, political and economic corruption.

'In this excellent historical-cultural study, Muller takes a closer look at the 'long 1950s' and shows convincingly that anti-American attitudes were not just at the fringes but pretty much at the heart of West Germany's emerging political culture. Coming to terms with the past, West German politicians and intellectuals struggled with the supposed 'deeper' meanings of the relationship between democracy, capitalism and culture.' - Times Higher Education

'...fascinating study...' - Journal of Contemporary European Studies Issue 4/2012

Autorentext

CHRISTOPH HENDRIK MÜLLER has been a lecturer at University College Dublin, Ireland, and has taught at Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin. He has worked for Reuters, the Financial Times Deutschland and SPIEGEL online. He holds a doctoral degree from the University of Oxford and a BA from Trinity College Dublin. He currently lives in Amman, Jordan.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Introduction Vergangenheitsbewältigung at the Expense of the USA Rejection of the Republic - Democracy and Capitalism Hedonism and Equality 'Americanization' Revisited Epilogue: '1968' and 'America' Bibliography Index