WORLD WAR II - The American Propaganda Machine

 

In 1942, the use of propaganda of all sorts really thrived with the formation of the OWI (Office of War Information) who hired writing teams and graphic artists to help in their work. The underlying theme was to create a large sense of patriotism, and with that, they could urge Americans to do their part to support the soldiers and the war, as well as create a hatred for American enemies.

The enemy was most often portrayed as a caricature to make them look foolish and stupid. It was not called propaganda, but war information. The government didn't really want to admit that the goal was to influence, or perhaps. manipulate people to think or feel a certain way. 

Posters were popular, but we also used other media. A special squadron of B-17s was used to drop leaflets over enemy territories. They were used for only that job.

Radio programs like FDR's "Fireside Chats" were very popular, as well as comic books. Can you imagine Captain America deflecting bullets from the Nazis or Superman punching Hitler?

Short films were used in movie theaters before the main movie. Eventually, advertisers got into the game by tying their advertisements into the war effort.

 Bill Maudlin, a famous cartoonist of the time who depicted his characters, Joe and Willie, was very popular. 

It showed the friendship between soldiers as well as revealing the hardships of war. First appearing in the military news in "Stars and Stripes," it soon became popular nationwide and promoted support for our soldiers.

The consequences of being a blabbermouth

One of the most used mottos was "Loose lips sink ships." The need for discretion if you had knowledge of war happenings was important because, as we thought, spies were everywhere. 

These types of posters were hung everywhere, especially in public places like churches, railroad stations and even schools. Be aware of your talk; be guarded!

Spies have big ears.

Late in the war, even the Germans recognized the effects of our propaganda. Joseph Goebbels was in charge of propaganda for Germany.

Their propaganda emphasized the cowardice of their enemies and how

misguided the thinking of the Americans and British were.

But a month before his death on May 1945, Goebbels said,

"Enemy propaganda is beginning to have an uncomfortably noticeable effect on the German people. Anglo-American leaflets are no longer carelessly thrown aside, but are now read

attentively."  (American Experience)

Animated cartoons were helpful in our diverse propaganda efforts. Walt Disney was a strong, patriotic supporter and contributed many animated films.

Here's one:

Walt Disney: Education for Death - The Making of the Nazi (1943) - video Dailymotion

Dianne Kline, Researcher