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2 years ago in Colonial History , Visual Culture By Krupa

Is there actually any solid research on how propaganda was spread through colonial money?

I’m analyzing material culture from the French colonial period, and the imagery on their currency is strikingly assertive. It seems like a direct channel for state propaganda, but I need to ground this in existing literature. Are there foundational studies I should be referencing for this specific angle?

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By Lan MacGregor Answered 1 year ago

Yes, definitely. From my work in museum curation, I’ve handled countless colonial coins where the propaganda is blatant. I would recommend starting with scholars like John Tully or Erika Rappaport. They analyze how portraits of monarchs, imperial symbols, and even language were engineered to create a visual hierarchy, legitimize foreign rule, and foster economic dependence. It’s a fascinating sub-field that shows how ideology was made portable and everyday. You’re right to see it as a direct state channel.

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