Designing Democracy

The book looks at the American Information Centers and their involvement in democratic re-education in Western Germany and West Berlin from 1945 to 1961. Known as America Houses in Germany, these centers continued re-education much longer on a subtle level and were one of the few influential tools of the US.

How can firmly established democracies aid and support emerging democracies? Historically, where has this been done? This book looks at the American Information Centers and their involvement in democratic re-education in Western Germany and West Berlin from 1945 to 1961. Referred to as America Houses in Germany, this thesis argues that these institutions continued re-education much longer on a subtle level and were one of the few influencing, yet powerful tools that America had at its disposal to guide democracy. Considering the fact that these Houses were financed with American taxpayer dollars, it remains astounding that so little has been written about them in English to date. This publication seeks to provide unique insights into this fascinating time in US history.

Autorentext

Kathleen R. Hooper gained a degree from Colorado State University (USA) and graduated in Design at the University of Wuppertal (Germany) where she worked as a research assistant and lecturer in American Art. Since then she has worked as a consultant in communications development and management training.

Inhalt

Contents: The American Information Centers (America Houses) - Involvement in democratic re-education in Western Germany and West Berlin 1945 to 1961 - Influencing factors - Details of the Houses - Visitors - Target groups and programs - Architecture of the America Houses.