Introduction
The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was a government agency created in 1917 by President Woodrow Wilson to promote American involvement in World War I. The CPI’s main responsibility was to shape the public opinion of Americans towards supporting the war effort. This was achieved through the use of propaganda, which is a form of communication designed to manipulate people’s beliefs and values. The CPI was responsible for creating some of the most effective propaganda campaigns in American history. This article will explore the impact the CPI had on American propaganda during World War I.
The Creation of the Committee on Public Information
The CPI was established in April 1917, shortly after the United States entered World War I. President Wilson appointed George Creel, a journalist and progressive politician, to head the CPI. Creel’s job was to create a national propaganda machine that would mobilize public support for the war effort.
The CPI’s Propaganda Techniques
The CPI used a variety of techniques to shape public opinion. One of the most effective techniques was the use of propaganda posters. The posters featured powerful images and slogans that appealed to people’s emotions. They depicted the Germans as savage brutes who were a threat to America’s freedom and way of life.
Another technique used by the CPI was the creation of propaganda films. These films were shown in theaters across the country and depicted the war effort as a heroic and noble cause. They often featured soldiers and war heroes who were portrayed as brave and selfless.
The CPI also used public speakers and journalists to spread its message. These individuals were trained by the CPI and given scripts to follow. They traveled across the country giving speeches and writing articles that promoted the war effort.
The Impact of the CPI on American Propaganda
The CPI had a significant impact on American propaganda during World War I. Its messages were all-encompassing, appearing in newspapers, magazines, posters, films, and speeches. The CPI created a sense of patriotic fervor among Americans, who were encouraged to support the war effort both financially and through military service.
The CPI’s efforts were effective in mobilizing public support for the war. Americans’ willingness to support the war effort was essential to the eventual Allied victory. The CPI was successful in creating a sense of national unity and shared purpose that helped to sustain the war effort.
Conclusion
The Committee on Public Information played a critical role in shaping American propaganda during World War I. Its use of propaganda techniques such as posters, films, and public speakers had a significant impact on public opinion. The CPI’s efforts were successful in mobilizing public support for the war and creating a sense of national unity. The legacy of the CPI can be seen in the propaganda techniques used by governments around the world today.
