Uncovering Henry Luce's agenda for China: A comparative analysis of Time, Incorporated and other media coverage of Madame Chiang Kai-Shek's trips to America (1943--1948)

Henry Luce has long been a target of criticism by writers and scholars for his alleged use of his Time, Incorporated media empire to promote leaders, parties, and causes he favored. Luce is especially criticized for his support of General Chiang Kai-shek and his Nationalist party during the 1930s and 1940s.; This research analyzes whether Henry Luce attempted to influence American attitudes and United States policy toward China through Time, Incorporated media coverage of three key events during the 1930s and 1940s. Specifically, this dissertation looks at media coverage of Madame Chiang Kai-shek's three trips to the United States and analyzes this coverage to determine if there is a Luce agenda embedded within that coverage. Also explored is Luce's role in these trips and the surrounding publicity to see if his involvement demonstrates an effort to influence American policy toward China.