The Early Cold War on the Small Screen

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Beginning in the 1950s, emerging technologies such as television offered the American public an expanded view of the world around them. Through this exciting medium families could gather in their living rooms and learn firsthand how the events of the Cold War affected their way of life. Realizing the possibilities to inform and shape popular thought, individuals and groups sought to utilize this new communications platform to exploit its advantages. From this, a variety of television shows and series appeared and began jockeying for air time to broadcast information, opinion, and education to an eager public. Among these were military related productions. In these, the producers sought to broaden the nation’s understanding of the global geo-political environment, underscore essential American ideological values, and ensure the public that their armed forces remained ever alert and on guard as a bulwark against foreign aggression. This lecture examines some of these shows and unpacks the effect they had on our understanding of the early Cold War period. This includes a discussion of news shows such as the Armed Forces Hour (NBC) and the Facts We Face (CBS), informative series such as the Big Picture and Navy Log (Syndicated), compilation documentaries such as Uncommon Valor (Syndicated) and Air Power (CBS), and entertainment such as the Sergeant Bilko comedy series. 


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About John Lemza

John Lemza is an accomplished researcher, writer and lecturer of history with 20 years of experience. He is currently an adjunct professor of American history at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Additionally, as part of the teaching faculty at the non-profit Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) in Chesterfield County he researches, develops and delivers history lectures. He also offers presentations to local groups and organizations within the greater Richmond area on a variety of historical topics. He previously lectured for three summer sessions with the Elderhostel Chautauqua program of Virginia.
 
In addition to his academic work, he is now serving as President of the Board of Directors for the LLI with oversight responsibilities for programs, the budget and personnel management.

John holds a Ph.D. in History from George Mason University, a Masters in History from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelors of Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He served for more than 20 years as an Army officer in various command and staff positions with eight years abroad in Europe and Asia, and four years in the Pentagon.

John is the author of several books including Charles A. Willoughby and the Anti-Communist Crusade: Forging the Geopolitics of the American Old Right, The Big Picture: The Cold War on the Small Screen, and American Military Communities in West Germany: Life in the Cold War Badlands, 1946-1990.