Cold War Propaganda – “Bert the Turtle” and “He May be a Communist”

It’s June, and the sweltering heat means only one thing–that’s right, time for a movie!

This first one is one of my favorites.  I show it every year around June and it is incredibly instructive.  Of course, prepare your students with background information about the atomic bomb, the Cold War, etc.  This is especially good for New York, since this was filmed in Queens.

The second is a collection of films highlighting anti-Communist sentiment in the 1950s.  As a teaching tool, this can definitely be used with the first video.  Demonstrate how fear of Communism and the use of cartoons helped to create a mass culture of fear and insecurity. 

Enjoy this film with your classes.   Remember to “Duck and Cover” when you see the flash!