Saturday, May 26, 2012

How did propaganda play a role in encouraging men to enlist in World War I and World War II?

Propaganda efforts during the world wars exerted extreme pressure on men that were of fighting age.  Posters, speeches, and even films were created to motivate men to enlist and fight.  The propaganda efforts focused on appealing to patriotism and nationalism.  The message was that you were basically a coward if you did not enlist and fight for your country.  The propaganda efforts also attempted to paint the enemy as cruel and barbaric.  This method seemed to communicate that it was necessary for you to sign up and fight against evil. In World War I, the term "Hun" was a derogatory term used to dehumanize and demonize the Germans.  During World War II, the focus was on the "unprovoked" attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor.  Whatever method or message of propaganda that was used, a great deal of peer pressure was exerted on men of enlistment age to sign up and volunteer for military service.  

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