Module 4 explores the crises that erupted in the first half of the twentieth century, including World War I. World War I essentially determined the trajectory of twentieth-century world history, and the conflict had an important impact on American history. America hesitated to get involved in World War I, but when Congress approved Wilson’s declaration of war in the spring, 1917, the nation engaged in what historians refer to as “total war,” that is, a complete or almost complete dedication of resources to the war effort. The “total war” effort included allocating resources intended to convince the domestic population that American participation in the conflict was necessary.
In April, 1917 the Committee of Public Information was created for that purpose–to essentially shape public opinion in favor of American engagement. Critics called this propaganda. Propaganda is normally defined as information (sometimes based on facts) intended to be misleading or biased in an effort to advance a particular perspective or agenda (usually political). Many Americans saw the conflict as a European issue that the United States had no business getting entangled with. Others argued that the United States should remain committed to the principles of isolationism and neutrality established long ago at Washington’s Farewell Address. In other words, the Committee of Public Information had a lot of work to do. Millions of dollars were spent by the federal government to convince skeptical Americans that World War I was indeed a fight the nation needed to make. Historians estimate, for instance, that 75,000 Americans were hired to deliver speeches at movie theaters during intermissions, pamphlets were circulated by the millions, and pro-war posters were plastered across every major American city.
For this essay, students will examine 2 pieces of propaganda. I recommend students examine two posters. Students should examine two posters that offer two different messages. For instance, one poster might deal with depicting the enemy in a certain way, and another poster might deal with sending Americans a message related to their war-time responsibilities. Each poster should be given full analysis and set in the historical context of WWI.
Consider the following when analyzing the piece of propaganda.
-Identify the propaganda.
-What message is the propaganda attempting to convey?
-What are the implicit or explicit biases embedded in the propaganda?
-What is the intended audience?
-What is the general purpose of the propaganda?
-How is the propaganda relevant to the context of WWI?
-Why is the government attempting to shape public opinion on whatever the message the propaganda is relaying?
-Why is the propaganda important to the American war effort?
Structure of Essay:
Every essay should begin with an introduction that presents the subject, establishes the historical context, puts forward the “plan of the essay,” and identifies the pieces of propaganda. The introduction should also include hints as to what sorts of information and arguments will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
Body paragraph 1: Analysis of piece of propaganda #1 (this might take 2 paragraphs)
Body paragraph 2: Analysis of piece of propaganda #2. (this might take 2 paragraphs)
Conclusion: General summary. Students will also need to address, briefly, the following question in the conclusion:
Should the government of democratic republics, like the United States, be engaged in propaganda efforts?
Required sources:
https://today.duke.edu/2018/11/how-trauma-and-struggles-world-war-i-helped-shape-modern-world
