By providing materials for the Europeans to engage with, the Americans were able to create a narrative that was favorable for them and their plans for a post-war world. Examples of this type of Americanization can be found in Dutch newspapers: near and shortly after the end of the war, multiple Dutch newspaper printed reviews of Why We Fight, an American documentary series that was shot to explain the purpose of the war to the American people. Coincidentally, it could also be used to sell the war – and the United States – to European audiences (Roholl).

The first example of such a review is the one that communist newspaper De Waarheid wrote about the Battle of Russia, the fifth entry of the Why We Fight series. In their review, the newspaper praises the documentary. They appreciate the fact that it was about Russia, as it allowed audiences to learn about a different country and their experiences with the war. They appreciate even more that it was an American production, as this meant that it could not be propaganda (“De slag”). The newspaper believed that the United States, as one of their allies, would not spread propaganda in the Netherlands. Russia, apparently, would be much more likely to engage in such practices. De Waarheid furthermore deemed the Battle of Russia interesting and suitable for the Dutch audience to watch, as it is a good example of movies that have a useful task in today’s society (“De slag”). This review showcases the faith that people in the Netherlands had in the United States, even if it meant that they turned a blind eye to possible ulterior motives.