What is the Committee on Public Information?
The Committee on Public Information, also known as the Creel Committee, was a government agency established during World War I to shape American propaganda efforts. The agency was created in 1917 by President Woodrow Wilson and was tasked with influencing public opinion in favor of the war effort.
The committee was initially headed by journalist George Creel, who assembled a team of advertising executives, journalists, and entertainers to create a comprehensive propaganda campaign. The committee used every available medium, from newspapers and posters to speeches and films, to convey the message that America was fighting a just war against Germany.
How did the Committee shape American propaganda during World War I?
The Committee on Public Information was highly effective in shaping public opinion during World War I. They used a variety of tactics to disseminate their message, including propaganda posters, newsreels, and speeches. These efforts were particularly successful in creating a sense of unity amongst Americans.
One of the most effective tools used by the Committee was the Four Minute Men program. This program employed thousands of volunteers across the country who gave brief patriotic speeches at public gatherings, such as movie theaters and community events. These short speeches were designed to be emotionally persuasive and to encourage listeners to support the war effort.
The Committee also used censorship and propaganda to control the narrative surrounding the war. They censored news reports and other media that didn’t conform to their message, and also used propaganda to vilify Germany and portray the war as a heroic endeavor.
Examples of Committee propaganda
One example of Committee propaganda was the famous poster of Uncle Sam pointing and saying, “I Want You for the U.S. Army.” This poster was widely distributed and helped to create a sense of patriotism and duty among American men.
Another example was the use of the phrase “Huns” to describe Germans, which was intended to dehumanize the enemy and make it easier for Americans to support the war effort.
The Committee also commissioned films, such as “The Spirit of ’76,” which depicted the American Revolution as a heroic struggle for freedom that was similar to the war being fought against Germany.
Key takeaways
The Committee on Public Information was an important government agency that shaped American propaganda during World War I. The agency was highly effective in creating a sense of patriotism and unity among Americans, using a variety of mediums and tactics to disseminate their message.
While the Committee’s efforts were successful, they also raised ethical concerns about the use of propaganda and censorship. Ultimately, the Committee on Public Information serves as a reminder of the power of propaganda in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of governments to use that power ethically.
