During World War II, the US government waged a constant battle for the hearts and minds of the public. Persuading Americans to support the war effort became a wartime industry, just as important as producing bullets and planes. The Office of War Information (OWI) was formed in 1942 to oversee the propaganda initiative, scripting and distributing the government's messages. Artists, filmmakers, and intellectuals were recruited to work on this creative "factory floor." They produced posters, pamphlets, newsreels, radio shows, and movies-all designed to create a public that was 100 percent behind the war effort.
Posters were an important part of the OWI's output. They were mass produced and distributed around the country and hung in train stations, post offices, schools, churches, factories, and grocery stores. Posters were produced to encourage and inspire Americans, but also to warn, scold, and scare Americans as well. They used psychological tactics, guilt, and emotions to appeal to the patriotism and loyalty of the public. Posters addressed things like safety, urging Americans to wear white when walking during blackouts so they would not be hit by an car and to be careful at work so they were not injured, both slowing production and wasting valuable hospital resources. A figure called "Axidunce" was very careless and helped the Axis foes by causing accidents. He was assisted by "Benny the Bungler." If you stayed out all night drinking you would be hungover at work or would call in sick and the country was counting on youto help win the war. Continue reading from the National WWII Museum
World War II Progaganda (American Experience)
Powers of Persuasion (National Archives)
How Disney Propaganda Shaped Life on the Home Front During World War II (Smithsonian Magazine)
When Dr. Seuss Went to War (History.com)
The Psychological Tricks Used to Help Win World War Two (BBC)
Nazi Propaganda (Holocaust Encyclopedia)
WWII Propaganda: How Images of Women Made the Difference (Toledo Library)
Recruiting Poster for Women from World War II (Naval History and Heritage Command)