What was the aim of the MFAA during and after WWII?

The MFAA, or the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, was established during and after World War II with the specific goal of facilitating the recovery of stolen artworks. This initiative was critical in response to the widespread looting and destruction of cultural property that occurred throughout the war. The program sought to locate, identify, and restore artworks and cultural artifacts that had been confiscated, hidden, or otherwise displaced during the conflict.

The recovery effort was not merely about returning artifacts to their countries of origin but also about preserving cultural heritage that had been threatened by the war. Therefore, the focus on recovering stolen artworks aligns closely with the historical context and mission of the MFAA during this period.

In contrast, regulating artists' contracts, promoting cultural education, and importing foreign art do not reflect the immediate objectives that the MFAA prioritized during and after the war. These activities could be seen as part of broader cultural initiatives, but they were not the central aim of the MFAA, which specifically targeted the needs arising from the war’s impact on cultural property.