Bias and the Media Propaganda and World War

Bias and the Media Propaganda and World War II

What is Propaganda? Propaganda is the spreading of political ideas to advance a government, cause or organization or damage the reputation of the opposing side. During WWII, the government used propaganda to inspire patriotism and encourage citizens to participate in the war efforts.

“Uncle Sam Wants You!” That's what Americans read on posters during World War II. To attract U. S. citizens to jobs in support of the war effort, the government created the Office of War Information (OWI) on June 13, 1942, some six months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. OWI photographers documented American life and culture by showing aircraft factories, members of the armed forces, and women in the workforce. Using propaganda (photographs and captions with emotional content), the OWI aimed to inspire patriotic fervor in the American public.

Office of War Information The original caption on this 1942 OWI photograph of a bomber pilot was, "The kind of man Hitler wishes we didn't have"

Office of War Information Pearl Harbor Widows have gone into war work to carry on the fight with a personal vengeance. Mrs. Virginia Young (right) whose husband was one of the first casualties of World War II, is a supervisor in the Assembly and Repairs Department of the Naval Air Base. Her job is to find convenient and comfortable living quarters for women workers from out of the state, like Ethel Mann, who operates an electric drill. This is the original caption for this Office of War Information (OWI) photograph.

Office of War Information What is your initial reaction? What emotion does the caption evoke for the two women pictured? How might this inspire or motivate people to volunteer for the war effort?

Office of War Information In addition to waving the flag and promoting a vision of apple-pie America, OWI photographers covered less happy occasions. The OWI also documented social change, including the massive movement of women into the workforce and the advancement of African Americans in the military. "This girl in a glass house is putting finishing touches on the bombardier nose of a B-17 F navy bomber” in this 1942 OWI photo

Office of War Information Of all the images of working women during World War II, the image of women in factories predominates. Let’s take a look at this picture of “Rosie the Riveter. ” The accoutrements of war work-uniforms, tools, and lunch pails-were incorporated into the revised image of the feminine ideal. Produced by Westinghouse for the War Production Co. Ordinating Committee NARA Still Picture Branch (NWDNS-179 -WP-1563)

What Messages were being Conveyed? During WWII the US government used propaganda to: • Encourage women into the workforce. • Encourage volunteerism through participation in carpools, war rationing of food and supplies, and the purchase of war bonds. • Encourage citizens to remain vigilant in words and actions i. e. loose lips sink ships! • Combat propaganda messages from enemy forces.

Examples of Axis Propaganda in Germany “Behind our enemies: the Jew” Long Live Germany!”

Examples of Axis Propaganda in Italy “The fault falls on them. ” “And you…what are you doing? ”

Examples of Axis Propaganda in Japan

The US government also created propaganda posters during WWII. What type of imagery do you think you will see?

US Posters: American Muscle Masculine strength was a common visual theme in patriotic posters. Pictures of powerful men and mighty machines illustrated America's ability to channel its formidable strength into the war effort. American muscle was presented in a proud display of national confidence.

US Posters: Rationing & Controlling Prices During World War II fewer manufactured goods were available because of military needs. A system of rationing and price controls were established to provide resources needed for the war and to avoid the kinds of economic problems that had resulted during World War I, such as high inflation. Government programs for rationing and price controls were administered by the Office of Price Administration (OPA) whose activities were especially important at the local level and affected virtually every household in the United States.

Let’s Talk About It During the war, fear was a common emotion evoked by propaganda posters. Many Americans did not want to seem unpatriotic. It was very important that each American did his or her part.

US Posters: War Work & the Role of Women Just as the shortage of manufactured goods was a concern, there was a shortage of civilian labor because of the vast number of men who were in the military. Who would do this work, especially that which was defense related? The federal government and the war industries sought to solve the problem partly by employing women to fill the gap. Records of several agencies reflect the keen interest that was taken in the women who performed what had formerly been men's jobs at many of the federal facilities in New England. The federal government addressed the labor problem by encouraging people to work and restricting the freedom of workers to move from one job to another. Controlling and regulating the supply of labor was the function of the War Manpower Commission.

Let’s Talk About It Search for context clues: Who is the intended audience for this post? Who published the poster? What is the goal of the publisher?

Let’s Talk About It Women were an asset during WWII at home and in the workforce. African Americans were another minority shown in a positive light in propaganda posters during World War II. Look at this poster of Rosie the Riveter. She is a symbol, what does she stand for?

Let’s Talk About It • Which poster did you like the best? • Which poster best appealed to your emotions? • Which poster best appealed to patriotism?

Let’s Talk About It Find Political Language Work in small groups to complete the poster analysis guide. Discuss the poster: • What worked well? • What symbolism is present? • What is the message? Find Bias Find The Name of Artist

Design a WWII Propaganda Poster You have just been hired at the Office of War Information, your job is to design a propaganda poster. Use color, clever messaging and pictures to get your message across to the American People. Your poster just might win the war effort! Discuss some of the tactics used by artists to convey their message. Remember: Propaganda is persuasion. What can we learn from these posters and pictures?