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Thursday, December 31, 2020
CONTEXT: The New Spirit—1942 Donald Duck Propaganda for the U.S. Income Tax
In 1942, the U.S. Income Tax, which was previously paid by only 13 million people, was increased and extended to hit more than 50 million, or 75% of all working Americans. It was called the “Victory Tax” and promoted as supporting the war the U.S. had just entered. In October, 1942, Time magazine called it “The biggest piece of machinery ever designed to separate dollars from citizens.” The Treasury Department enlisted Disney Studios and Donald Duck to promote the tax as a patriotic “privilege, not just your duty.”
“Taxes to beat the Axis!”
The film was nominated for a 1943 Academy Award as Best Documentary.
Posted at December 31, 2020 11:59