Europe’s young people and youth movements expressed a desire for peace, which would only be fulfilled by them acting across national boundaries. Youth was depicted as beautiful, strong, and — with peace symbols — united internationally in the fight for freedom. International youth camps and youth meetings were organised across Europe as a means of post-war reconciliation.

The Cold War changed this situation as Soviet domination gripped Eastern Europe, isolating it and disrupting broad international exchange. Youth and young people became a key weapon in the propaganda war between East and West.