Political and Cultural Influence of the USA on Italy in years 1945-1948

(in English) This diploma thesis deals with the influence of the United States of America on Italy during the years 1945 and 1948. One of the factors that played an important role in this issue was the Cold War, since it had an immense impact on American foreign policy as well as the changing relationship between Italy and the USA. With regard to American foreign policy, Italy was not really in the centre of its attention after the Second World War. This, however, changed after the relationship between the USSR and USA had deteriorated in 1946 and 1947, which brought a shift in the American stance towards the Apennine peninsula. The strength of the Communist party of Italy was a major cause for concern to the American administration worrying about the spread of communism in Western Europe. The thesis puts special emphasis on 'the Propaganda Battle' led by the American administration, namely the Ambassador in Rome James Dunn, and the newly established CIA. This 'battle' is viewed especially from a cultural perspective, as the communist propaganda campaigns focused mainly on film industry, the radio and newspapers. Key words (in English) Italy, the United States of America, 1948, Communist Party of Italy, Marshall plan, CI