Use Of Propaganda During World War II

840 Words4 Pages

The use of propaganda during World War 2 was a powerful tool that influenced the thoughts and actions of millions of people. From posters to films, governments and organizations employ various forms of propaganda to shape public opinion, recruit soldiers, and support the war effort. As such, understanding the impact and techniques of propaganda during this time is essential to comprehend the historical and cultural significance of World War 2. This essay will show that during World War I the federal government used propaganda conveyed through popular cultural media to create an “us versus them” mentality by releasing information and images that both demonized the enemy and explained the righteousness of the American people and their cause. …show more content…

When you think of the weapons of WWII, what comes to mind? Planes, tanks, or money? Bullets, machine guns, and grenade launchers? Yes, all of these were important tools in the effort to win the war. But so was the information. In this case, the government issued the information. Over the course of the war, the U.S. The government has waged a constant battle for the hearts and minds of the public. Persuading Americans to support the war effort became a wartime industry, just as important as producing bullets and planes. The U.S. government produced posters, pamphlets, newsreels, radio shows, and movies to create a public that was 100% behind the war effort. ”Loose lips might sink ships” (Seymour R. Goff, 1941, National Archives, 513543f) (https://libapps.salisbury.edu/nabb-online/exhibits/show/propaganda/slogans/loose-lips-might-sink-ships) is an American English idiom meaning “beware of unguarded talk”. The phrase originated on propaganda posters during World War I, with the earliest version using the wording loose lips might sink ships. This wartime expression “warned people in the military as well as ordinary citizens to watch what they say.” “Keep 'em firing”(General Motors Corporation)(https://history.iowa.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/world-war-ii/warning-our-homes-are-danger) As allied airplanes shoot Hitler from behind, he cries out with surprise. The Nazi military is pictured as tiny toys, unable to react. This …show more content…

Propaganda is used to influence people's opinions or control their behavior through various tactics such as name-calling, bandwagoning, or inciting fear.” Images from the war show the tension and fear caused by inter-ethnic conflict. Closer analysis reveals that the attached World War II propaganda poster is such an image. This 1942 poster titled “This is the Enemy” was circulated in the United States after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Its purpose was to portray the entire nation of Japan as a cruel and predatory enemy that needed to be defeated. The “I want you for U.S. Army” shows Uncle Sam pointing his finger at the viewer in order to recruit soldiers for the American Army during World War 2. This poster encourages women and men from all over the world to work hard and join the army during these dire times. Propaganda was used to glorify Adolf Hitler by using his image on postcards, posters, and in the press. It was also used to spread negative images and ideas about Jews in magazines, films, cartoons, and other media. The use of propaganda during World War 2 was a powerful tool that influenced the thoughts and actions of millions of people. From posters to films, governments and organizations employ various forms of propaganda to shape public opinion, recruit soldiers,