In 1944, with the first American troops on German soil (Aachen, October 21, 1944), the Psychological Warfare Division of the Allied Expeditionary Force began its task of reorienting the German people after 12 years of Nazi rule. Under subsequent names like the Information Control Division and the Information Services Branch, which reflects the changing way in which they would have liked their activities to have been interpreted by the Germans, it attempted to control and give shape to the manner in which Germany's post-war society developed. The above three link present the history of the the ICD in Germany and provide readers access archival material that tells the story of this significant period in Germany's cultural development.

1. The "Editor's Notes" interpret the primary material presented here and and provide context for understanding the American approach to German society and its cultural production.

2. "The Histories" are editions of the "official" yearly summaries of the activities of the ICD. The version found here are true to the archival records held at the National Archives and Records Administration, College Park. While it appears that there was every intention of having them published at some point, they never were. These documents provide a unique insight into the day to day operations of the ICD and the challenges they faced in restoring Germany's cultural industries. In addition, it clearly outlines what the American occupation was prepared to countenance and what it would not tolerate. Most of all, it is a study in an attempt to bring about democratic thought principles through autocratic means.

3. Finally, the "Database" provides access to the secret "Black, Grey, White List", which was used by the ICD to determine who would be allowed to become a player in post-war Germany's media. Currently, the database contains 5396 names. Shortly, a further 2000+ will be added as their data is verified against archival sources. It is hoped that a further 7500 names will be added over the next 2 years. The BGW Lists provide surprisingly detailed information regarding individual who applied for ICD licenses. Information includes: names, addresses, city of birth, current residence, and the status assigned to them by the ICD.

4. You will need the "epagewiz" reader to access the material presented on this site. You may download and install this FREE program here.

5. Updated April 23, 2012