Propaganda means used in war played a great role in contribution to the war efforts in World War II.

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AS and A Level English

Integrated Humanities Pilot Programme

Major Research Paper – War

Group members:

  • Erik Widjaja                 (9)
  • Samuel Ravi Choudhury (22)

Class: 2H

Academic Information

Slant:         Literature

Mentor:         Miss Foo Yang Yann

Date of submission: 29th August 2003

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  1. General Background
  2. Rationale of Research
  3. Research Questions
  4. Scope of Research
  5. Limitations of Research
  1. Literature Review
  2. Research Methodology
  3. Results & Analysis
  4. Conclusion
  1. Has our research proved our hypothesis correct / wrong?
  2. Questions for further research
  1. Bibliography
  1. Books
  2. Websites
  3. References
  4. Acknowledgements
  1. Appendices

1. Introduction

a) General Background

        

        We know that propaganda used in war had effects on the outcome of the war from GCSE Modern World History second edition that propaganda means used in war had contributed to the war efforts which directly affected the outcome of the war. Many propaganda means such as movies and songs flourished during this era and even until today.

b) Rationale of Research

        Our paper aims to show how the propaganda means helped to contribute to the war effort by “blinding” the civilians from facts, so that they would continue to support the government in their war efforts and not lose poise in the war. The sources that we have selected were produced and used at the period of war and thus are eligible as a primary source.

c) Research Questions

  • How does propaganda affect the outcome of war?
  • How effectual is each different mean of propaganda?

d) Scope of Research

We will only be looking at the 4 different means of propaganda stated:

  • Chaplin’s (1940) movie- “The Great Dictator”
  • Almanac Singer’s (1942) song- “Round and Round Hitler’s Grave”
  • Clampett’s (1942) cartoon- “Any Bonds Today”
  • Smith’s (1942) propaganda poster about war bonds

We will also bring in historical knowledge that we obtained from the books and websites indicated in the bibliographical section.

e) Limitations of Research

        Our paper will only discuss how propaganda is effective in the primary sources that we will be using. We will only mention how effective each of these sources are, bringing in historical background to support our view.

        Our paper will only be discussing on these specific sources mentioned and not propaganda as a whole broad topic.

2. Literature Review

Chaplin’s and Clampett’s movies plus Almanac Singers’ song criticised the Axis Powers. They were anti-Nazi Propaganda and were efficient in spreading propaganda. Clampett’s cartoons and Smith’s poster appealed to the Americans to support the war through buying war bonds.

Chaplin’s movie shows that Hitler is uncivilized, as seen in a cake fight whilst discussing war issues with Italy-an ally. Clampett’s cartoon shows that the Axis Powers were uncooperative when they stepped on the ‘Dove of Peace’. Almanac Singer’s song lyrics (Appendix 2) was insulting, “Wished I had old Hitler /with a rope around his neck” and continues about dancing round Hitler’s grave. The first movie was produced to ridicule Hitler with very little purpose except for a speech (Appendix 3) because America was still a neutral country during 1940, but in Europe war had commenced.

All resources made use of either audio or visual. It was the era whereby poems were no longer effectual and popular means of expression. Hence, propaganda was conveyed in posters, songs aired on radio and movies in theatres worldwide. Audio and visual aids provided a lucid picture of happenings and task definition enabling the government to easily persuade the people to do their biddings. The movies were directed by famous people (such as Warner Brothers, Charles Chaplin), whom civilians thought were trust-worthy and thus easily swayed.

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Moreover, most propaganda accentuates the importance of war bonds in the War. Bugs Bunny in “Any Bonds Today” (Appendix 6) was saying that without the bonds, we ‘can’t make tomorrow’s plan’, which is to win the war. Even in this song there is a propaganda poster (Appendix 5) on war, patriotism and to procure war bonds (Appendix 4). Smith’s poster was specifically on war bonds but just in a different form. The poster illustrates the repercussions without war bonds and shows a Nazi shadow cast over children. Therefore, buying bonds will safeguard them from the Axis.

Patriotism resulted in exceedingly ...

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Propaganda means used in war played a great role in contribution to the war efforts in World War II.
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