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United States World War II Propaganda

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The United States of America holds to our gallery due to their explosion in art during World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States fully committed in this second great war in every aspect. The many pieces of artwork was created to inspire men to serve their country in the many different branches, created propaganda to inspire women to serve the many different programs, and also created artwork to instill fear against other countries. Within the art pieces below, you will see the various ways propaganda within the US was made, how culture at the time was utilized in art, and what the intent for each grouping was.

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Propaganda Targeting Women​

 

Although the Draft within World War II only chose men, this didn't stop America from utilizing propaganda for those who stayed at home. There were many programs that were meant to include women into joining programs that assisted in production during the war. An example is the WOW(Women Ordnance Worker) and WAAC(Women's Army Corps). Women as a Ordnance Worker would have extensive knowledge on operating and inspecting massive machinery. The Women's Army Corps would allow more women of Science into the war, giving them jobs of operating radars, sonars, and other nbc related jobs.

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Propaganda Targeting Men

Many of the propaganda posters we see from WWII target towards men serving their country. Most of the posters give an aesthetic of self value by doing something of the greater good for the United States of America. This propaganda also makes it feel like you would add self value to yourself by serving this war. Common terms to see are "Responsibility," "Respect," and "Character." Each and every one of these posters are meant to inspire the men of the United States to serve their country. The posters were meant to create a sense of pride and right doing for their country.

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Propaganda Targeting the People

Propaganda was even included for the people who were not directly involved in the war. The United States did an excellent job in creating fear against the opposing countries. Posters saying "Loose talk can cost lives" created an atmosphere of fear among the public and made them take not in what they talked to others about. In this sense, the United States used this propaganda to control the people with fear. Not only did this create a sense of being watched or listened to, but it created a more sinister feeling towards any country that deemed the title of an "enemy." This type of propaganda intentionally used fear to cause action in either serving their country or keeping any type of information to them self.

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