WWII Propaganda Journalism Timeline

Before World War two began, Germany was devastated. The Treaty of Versailles brought about a humiliating defeat and crushed the morale of the German people. During the economic and dignity struggle, many were open to any kind of hope that could help their future. Similarly, after Pearl Harbor was bombed, United States citizens were vulnerable to any kind of belief or idea that could bring their country up from the ashes. These conditions made propaganda journalism a perfect medium to promote the war.

Propaganda journalism during WWII was meant to spark nationalism within people. With everyone on board, people saw hope in their own country. While the United States’ propaganda was more government controlled, German propaganda was spread throughout all its allies. However, both sides of this propaganda share the purpose of getting people on board for the war effort.

Works Cited:

1.) McLaughlin, Greg, “Journalism, Objectivity, and War”, Pluto Press. 2016.

2.) Bernstein, Mark, Journalism in WWII: on the Front with Bill Mauldin and Ernie, Naperville, IL: Source-books, 2009.

3.) Schroth, Raymond, “The Good War: Reporting World War II, Part I: American Journalism 1938-1944, American Quarterly, 2011.

4.) Zöller, Alexander, signalmagazine.com, 2010.

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