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 say Some propaganda could be said to be “lying,” but this is not always the case What information is presented or left out can have an important impact on the viewer’s opinion The most powerful propaganda is propaganda that is entirely truthful, however

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

Types of propaganda Printed matter – posters, leaflets and pamphlets, essays Audio – radio, recordings, Axis Sally Video – 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 thinking Glittering generalities – using good words for your side that will win your support without evidence Euphemisms – using words to soften the meaning of harsher words – collateral damage, liquidation, to pass away Which 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 side Testimonial – using a celebrity or other person to support your side Which 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 them Band-wagon – everyone is doing it, you should, too Fear – try to create fear in people; show a fearsome event or result, then tell the viewer how to avoid that result Which 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 patriotism Also used elements of racism, particularly against Jews – often showed Jews trying to rule or take over the world Tended to become more sinister as the war progressed (next slide)

Early War Germany vs. Late War Germany