The Impact of the Committee on Public Information During World War 1

The Impact of the Committee on Public Information During World War 1

The Committee on Public Information, also known as the CPI, was established during World War 1 to generate support for the war effort among the American people. It was chaired by journalist George Creel and had a significant impact on shaping public opinion during the war.

Introduction

The CPI was formed in April 1917, shortly after the United States entered World War 1. The objective of the committee was to promote patriotic sentiment among Americans and to generate support for the war effort. The CPI used a variety of methods to achieve this goal, including propaganda posters, news articles, and films.

The CPI’s Propaganda Campaign

The CPI’s propaganda campaign was a significant component of its efforts to influence public opinion. The committee produced thousands of posters that depicted the Germans as barbaric and inhumane. Many of these posters featured slogans such as “Beat back the Hun with Liberty Bonds” and “Every Day a Victory, Every Bond a Brick in the Wall of Freedom.” These posters were distributed widely and displayed in public spaces, making it difficult for Americans to ignore the war effort.

The CPI’s Influence on the Media

The CPI also played a significant role in shaping media coverage of the war. The committee formed relationships with newspapers and other media outlets, providing them with news stories and press releases that portrayed the war effort in a positive light. The CPI also monitored the media for any anti-war sentiment and took steps to counter it. This ensured that the majority of news stories regarding the war were supportive of the American cause.

The CPI’s Use of Film

The CPI recognized the power of film to shape public opinion and created numerous short films that promoted the war effort. These films, which often depicted the Germans as brutal and ruthless, were screened in movie theaters throughout the country. The CPI even produced a feature-length film called “The Spirit of ’76,” which was designed to generate patriotism and support for the war.

The CPI’s Legacy

The CPI’s efforts had a significant impact on shaping public opinion during World War 1. The committee’s use of propaganda, media manipulation, and film helped to generate support for the war effort among the American people. Although the CPI was disbanded in 1919, its legacy lives on. The committee’s methods were emulated by later wartime propaganda efforts, including those during World War 2.

Conclusion

The Committee on Public Information played a vital role in shaping public opinion during World War 1. Its use of propaganda, media manipulation, and film helped to generate support for the war effort among the American people. Although the CPI’s methods were controversial, they helped to ensure that the majority of Americans were behind the war effort. The committee’s legacy continues to be felt in modern-day politics and wartime propaganda efforts.