'Language no obstacle': War brides in the German press, 1945-49

Abstract

German war brides are an essential part in the cultural memory of post-war West Germany. This study sheds some light on the representation of war brides in German newspapers and magazines published in the American and British zones between 1945/46 and 1949. It argues that German- American marriages were utilised to demonstrate and to enhance the good relations between the former enemies and contributed to the popularisation of the 'American Dream'. The war bride theme also promoted the image of the new German woman: She was stylish, modern and devoted to her husband. The presentation of German-American couples ignored issues such as race, prostitution, or divorce, but painted a romantic picture of married life in the 'Land of the Free'.