Understanding Propaganda and Its Historical Context

Propaganda: Definition and Purpose

Purpose of Propaganda
- Designed to manipulate public sentiment.
- Aims to evoke strong emotions:
- Anger
- Sadness
- Fear
- Happiness
- Creates a sense of belonging or alienation:
- Feel like part of a team vs. feeling like a loser.

Dependence on the Messenger
- Propaganda effectiveness varies based on who delivers the message.
- The messenger has specific goals for communication.
Sender's Benefits
- Propaganda usually benefits the sender, often at the expense of the receiver's autonomy.
- While the receiver may gain something positive, the primary gain is for the messenger.

Analyzing Propaganda Messages
- Consider personal benefits.
- Assess the motivations of the messenger:
- Why is this message being shared?
- How does the messenger benefit from your response?
Purpose of College Education
- Develop skills to critically assess propaganda and persuasion.

US Government's Use of Propaganda (1917-1918)
- Focus on manipulating the American public to support the war effort.
- Propaganda did not arise spontaneously; it was well-planned and systematically implemented.
Creation of the Committee on Public Information (CPI)
- Established as the first agency in US history dedicated to creating propaganda for its citizens.
- Operated during World War I and employed hundreds of thousands of individuals.
- Lasted roughly a year and a half before disbanding post-war.

Societal Perspectives on Government-Operated Propaganda
- Traditionally, there is skepticism regarding a governmental propaganda apparatus.
- Concerns that such power could be misused by leaders to communicate biased messages.
Post-Conflict Sentiment on Propaganda
- After the war, a societal push to dismantle propaganda efforts due to concerns over governmental power and persuasion.
Inherent Conflict
- Balancing the need for effective communication during wartime against the risks of government manipulation in peacetime.