Propaganda in World War II

Mr. White’s US 2 History

What is propaganda?

Propaganda is a set of messages aimed at influencing the behavior or opinions of large numbers of people

Propaganda used to be a neutral word, but now has taken on a negative meaning

Propaganda vs. Other types of information

Propaganda gives only information that supports what the creator is trying to saySome propaganda could be said to be “lying,” but this is not always the caseWhat information is presented or left out can have an important impact on the viewer’s opinionThe most powerful propaganda is propaganda that is entirely truthful, however

Emotional Impact

Propaganda is often intended to have an emotional impact on the viewerPropaganda will present images that are intended to induce fear, anger, happiness, or any other emotionWhat kind of emotions does the poster at the left bring out?

Types of propaganda

Printed matter – posters, leaflets and pamphlets, essaysAudio – radio, recordings, Axis SallyVideo – news broadcasts, other video (not in World War II)

Techniques of Propaganda

Word games – name-calling, glittering generalities, euphemisms

False connections – transfer, testimonial

Special appeals – plain folks, bandwagon, fear

Word Games

Name-calling – giving names to the opposition that will force you to ignore evidence without thinkingGlittering generalities – using good words for your side that will win your support without evidenceEuphemisms – using words to soften the meaning of harsher words – collateral damage, liquidation, to pass awayWhich one of these do you see in the poster to the left?

False Connections

Transfer – using the authority, power, or prestige of something else to support your sideTestimonial – using a celebrity or other person to support your sideWhich of these is the poster at the right using?

Special Appeals

Plain folks – creator tries to convince people that they are regular folks, just like themBand-wagon – everyone is doing it, you should, tooFear – try to create fear in people; show a fearsome event or result, then tell the viewer how to avoid that resultWhich of these do you see in the poster above?

American Propaganda in World War II

Focused on patriotism

In the case of anti-Japanese propaganda, racism and stereotypes were used

Also focused on keeping people working and producing to support the war effort

German Propaganda

Also appealed to patriotismAlso used elements of racism, particularly against Jews – often showed Jews trying to rule or take over the worldTended to become more sinister as the war progressed (next slide)

Early War Germany vs. Late War Germany