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In this striking set of postcards from 1960, the organization “Citizens Against Communism” deploys bold imagery and inflammatory rhetoric to warn of an alleged Communist plot undermining the United States. Through caricatures of international figures, devilish representations of “International Communism,” and alarmist slogans, these postcards capture a moment in Cold War history where fear, suspicion, and zealous patriotism intertwined.
Historical Context
The late 1950s and early 1960s saw the Cold War at a fever pitch. Tensions with the Soviet Union were high, and many Americans worried about Communism’s advance both abroad and at home. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and various “loyalty” investigations scrutinized citizens, while politicians and grassroots organizations stoked fear of subversion. Citizens Against Communism emerged in this environment, championing the message that America was under siege by “subversive elements” and foreign powers.
The postcards reflect widespread anxieties of the era. They reference popular fears of Communist infiltration in universities, churches, government, and labor unions—echoing the Red Scare era’s conspiratorial mindset. They also demonstrate how anti-Communist crusaders turned to dramatic visuals and punchy slogans to rally support for their cause.
Strategy and Imagery
- Demonization of the Enemy
A recurring motif is the devil-like figure labeled “International Communism.” Depicting Communism as a satanic menace was a powerful way to frame it as not just a political ideology but a moral and existential threat. The intent was to stir a visceral reaction, rallying viewers to see Communism as irredeemably evil. - Personification of Political Actors
Several postcards caricature prominent Communist-aligned or Soviet-bloc figures—most notably, “Khrushy” (a reference to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev) and “Castro” (Cuban leader Fidel Castro, depicted as a snarling dog). By casting specific leaders in villainous roles, the organization aimed to give Americans tangible focal points for their fears. - Appeals to Patriotism
Uncle Sam appears in compromising positions—pressured to give up resources (the Panama Canal) or the “Naval Base,” symbolizing a slippery slope where America might be coerced into surrender after surrender. Meanwhile, the Statue of Liberty is shown on the brink of being shoved into an abyss. Such images evoke a strong emotional appeal: if citizens do not act, sacred national symbols and institutions will be destroyed. - Alarmist Language
From references to “surrender on the installment plan” to instructions titled “Khrushchev’s Orders for His American Communist Stooges,” the copy lobs dire warnings and hyperbole. Words like “subversive,” “stooges,” and “destroy” heighten a sense of imminent peril. For a post-World War II population conditioned by real global conflicts, such charged language likely resonated forcefully.
Impact
In the charged climate of the early Cold War, messages like these often found a receptive audience among those already uneasy about America’s global position. The vivid artwork and inflammatory text served to simplify complex geopolitical realities, shaping a narrative of a stark, good-versus-evil struggle. However, critics argued that such sensationalism distorted nuances and fanned paranoia. Over time, as Cold War tensions shifted, many citizens began to question the effectiveness and fairness of the more aggressive anti-Communist tactics. Nonetheless, these postcards remain potent artifacts of a time when imagery, fear, and patriotism were interwoven to justify vigilance—if not outright hysteria—about Communist influence.
Though the fervor of McCarthy-era anti-Communism has receded, the legacy of these postcards endures as a reminder of how propaganda can be used to mobilize opinion, encourage suspicion, and cast ideological struggles in stark moral terms. Contemporary social and political movements still deploy similarly intense visuals and slogans—demonstrating that the tactics of fear-based persuasion are far from obsolete. By studying these artifacts, we better understand how emotive, simplified messaging can both unite and divide societies.
Special thanks to the USC Digital Imaging Lab for their support in digitizing this item.
