Cultural Diplomacy and the Smith-Mundt Act
In 1948 Congress passed the Smith-Mundt or United States Information and Educational Exchange Act. Designed to “increase mutual understanding” between the United States and other countries, the legislation promoted programs that developed personal contacts between Americans and others, such as the Peace Corps. In addition, the goals of programs such as the radio program Voice of America were to help non-Americans develop a familiarity with, and affinity for, Americans and American culture. Through books, radio, and television, citizens of other nations could develop an understanding of American values, freedoms, and experiences.
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