I. Introduction
Thesis: Throughout the 20th century, there have been notable efforts by both Europe and America to exert cultural influence over each other through various means. This outlined will examine some of the major ways in which American culture was exported to Europe and European ideals were introduced to America.
II. Americanization of Europe
A. Rise of American Popular Culture
Growth of Hollywood film industry in the 1920s-Present
Hollywood films gain widespread popularity and box office success throughout Europe
Introduces American ideals and way of life to European audiences
Explosion of American music genres postwar
Rock & Roll, Blues, Hip Hop/Rap spread from US and influence European youth culture
Artists like Elvis Presley, The Beatles become top music exports from America to Europe
B. Influence of American Business and Commerce
Postwar economic dominance of American multinational corporations
Companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, etc. establish global footprints starting in Western Europe
Export American brand of mass-market consumer capitalism abroad
Impact of American marketing and advertising worldwide
Europeans exposed to American advertising/branding through radio, print, TV from 1950s onward
C. Rise of American Higher Education Abroad
Growing popularity of American university satellite campuses in Europe
Ex. American University of Paris, University of Texas campus in London
Rising number of European students studying at American colleges/universities
Attracted by prestige of American higher ed system and exposure to American culture
D. Political and Military Presence of America in Europe
Establishment of American military bases across Western Europe after WWII
Projection of American geopolitical power onto continent
Impact of NATO alliance in binding defense of Western Europe to US foreign policy
Spreads adoption of American strategic doctrines and objectives among allies
III. Europeanization of America
A. Influence of European Immigration to America
Mass immigration waves from Europe to America 1820-1920
Brought European cultural influences like religion, cuisine, language to assimilate into US
Postwar immigration bolsters European ethnic enclaves in major US cities
Maintains distinct European traditions among diaspora communities in America
B. Academia and intellectual trends fostered by European scholars
Influx of European scientists, academics fleeing 1930s/40s fascism to America
Makes European styles of philosophy, arts prominent in American universities
Impact of European urban planning ideals on US cities
Ex. Influence of Le Corbusier on design of post-WWII American public housing
C. Rise of European art and design aesthetics among US elites
Popularity of European fine art in American museums from Gilded Age onward
Adoption of European architectural styles for mansions of wealthy Americans
European royal styles reflected in lavish lifestyles of newly-rich Industrialists
D. Lingering political ideals of Old Continent in America
Liberal democratic values espoused by New Deal echoing European social democracies
American intellectuals argue for European-style welfare states/labor protections in 1970s
Resistance to hyper-capitalism among some reflecting preference for social democracy
IV. Conclusion
The 20th century saw notable efforts by both America and Europe to spread their cultures abroad and Europeanize/Americanize one another through mass culture, education, business/commerce, and ideas. While American popular culture, economics, and strategic focus on Europe were most impactful exports, European immigration, intellectuals, and lingering political traditions also left marks conversely on America. The influences were never fully unilateral and both societies selectively adapted foreign principles in unique new hybrid forms.