Although the practice of controlling the masses using one unified and strong message has been commonplace ever since civilizations began branching out the word itself only came into common knowledge as of World War 2. The second World War also serves as possibly the greatest triumph of propaganda and the rawest example of it at work. Both the Axis powers and the Allied powers were using them to control and rally their citizens into supporting their war efforts and other pursuits. Germany used propaganda to justify the imprisonment of people; whether they be Russian, Jewish or any other status they viewed as immoral. The German people were exposed to films such as Der Ewige Jude which roughly translates to “The Eternal Jew”. The film gave disparaging statements about the Jewish people and their effect on the world. Although the German people were aware that these people were being put in “work camps” they were largely unaware of the horrible conditions and murders that the German military carried out.
America primarily used propaganda to push its strengths in the war. America’s strength was that it hadn’t been in the war early on. This gave them extra resources and since America’s consumerism was in full swing we also had a large number of factories which we put to use for making war supplies. Our propaganda was primarily about using as little resources such as oil, metal and food as possible to allow them to be used in the war. This allowed for American troops to be well supplied while they fought the war and allowed us to provide aid which our allies desperately needed.
Both sides used propaganda in World War 2 however America used it to capitalize on their strength which allowed them to win the war whereas Germany used it defensively and only tried to cover up their weakness in public support. Due to their superior use of propaganda America and its Allies were largely able to steamroll their Axis opponents. Propaganda not only played a huge part in war and the minds of the people during WWII but also shaped the world that we exist in today.
Today we are still manipulated and convinced by propaganda. It can be seen everywhere, from our elections to our lunch. Influencing our decisions and our lifestyles.
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