Learning Activity 2. Wartime Propaganda
The United States created the Office of War Information (OWI) in 1942 to control messages about the war. The OWI produced propaganda — one-sided information designed to persuade an audience to think and act in a particular way. Propaganda took the form of posters, radio programs, and newsreels. Wartime propaganda included both positive imagery for the American cause and negative stereotypes about the Axis countries. Hollywood movies were also required to support the war effort.
Note: The sources in this activity include anti-Japanese stereotypes and language that may be offensive. The intent of the activity is to present history through the lens of those living at the time. Please prepare students accordingly, and discuss acceptable standards of language and discourse in the classroom.
Note: The sources in this activity include anti-Japanese stereotypes and language that may be offensive. The intent of the activity is to present history through the lens of those living at the time. Please prepare students accordingly, and discuss acceptable standards of language and discourse in the classroom.
- Compelling Question: Does wartime propaganda work?
Learning Standards
- D2.His.12.9-12. Use questions generated about multiple historical sources to pursue further inquiry and investigate additional sources.
- D3.1.9-12. Gather relevant information from multiple sources representing a wide range of views while using the origin, authority, structure, context, and corroborative value of the sources to guide the selection.
(College, Career, and Civic Life Framework)
Readings
Read the following letters to find evidence of wartime propaganda:
Additional Sources
Questions
- What attitudes did Pfc. Rish display toward Japanese soldiers? What language did he use to describe them? How did his attitudes about the Japanese soldiers differ from those expressed about the Filipino people?
- View the Our Enemy Video and the Anti-Japanese Propaganda Posters page. How might these types of propaganda have influenced soldiers like Pfc. Rish? What evidence of anti-Japanese stereotypes are present in each source? Complete the table below.
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3. Wartime propaganda is often designed to create an enemy by dehumanizing the opposing side--portraying them as beast or animal. What evidence of dehumanization is present in each of the sources in the table above? Why is dehumanization considered necessary in war?
4. What movies did Rish mention in the 20 May 1945 letter? What was his reaction to these movies? Learn more about these movies from the links below. What do you think was the purpose of showing each film to soldiers?
- Rainbow Island (1944) - Dorothy Lamour "sarong film"
- Wilson (1944)
Note to Teachers: Possible answers are provided on the Teacher Page. Use the email link at the bottom left of the page to request the Teacher Page password.