World War I vs World War II (homefronts)
The United States of America has participated in two, bitter and deadly World Wars. In 1914, World War I began. Until the war ended in 1918, the Americans fought tirelessly against their foes. Decades later, in 1939, World War II began. Again, the Americans were pulled into a massive war, the likes of which, the world had never seen. In 1945, the war ended. The United States of America, despite all the causalities, found itself on the victorious side of both conflicts. America’s success in World War I and World War II depended on the active involvement of the home front. During the wars, the home front experience similar and different changes in the role of women, rationing, the economy, racial, and immigration. To gain support for World War I and World War II, the government organized and deployed propaganda campaigns. During World War I, the government formed the Committee on Public Information. This committee was responsible for controlling information in order to shape the public opinion about the war. They did this by circulating pamphlets, news releases, posters, and motion pictures; volunteer speakers were also used to inseminate negative images in the minds of citizens regarding the German culture. Pamphlets were translated into multiple languages to reach the vast and growing immigrant population of the United States. They hired approximately 75,000 four-minute men to give short patriotic speeches around the nation. Movies were produced to help the cause. The campaign’s goal was to paint the German leaders as lunatics.
During World War II, propaganda campaigns were also used. However, they were a little different than those of decade previous. These campaigns targeted race, culture, and gender. With an influx of males leaving the country, women were encouraged to work in factories to support the war. “Rosie” became a symbol of female strength, unity, and support. The propaganda didn’t stop with women; children were also used. Photographs were
During World War II, propaganda campaigns were also used. However, they were a little different than those of decade previous. These campaigns targeted race, culture, and gender. With an influx of males leaving the country, women were encouraged to work in factories to support the war. “Rosie” became a symbol of female strength, unity, and support. The propaganda didn’t stop with women; children were also used. Photographs were