World War II Project
There are many ways to analyze
historical events and time periods. During World War II, the
media was utilized by each country to accomplish the goals
mentioned in this song:
Accentuate the
Positive,
Eliminate the Negative,
Latch on to the Affirmative,
Don`t Mess with Mr. In-Between.
Hit
song, 1945, Music by Harold Arlen, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
For better or worse, this process of influencing the public
has been referred to as Propaganda. This project will focus
on many of the images and sounds utilized during World War II.
As in other similar projects, I recommend you run a word
document and cut and paste the images you are discussing.
A. Visit:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/powers_of_persuasion_home.html
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Review the various Posters in both Parts I and II.
-
From Part I: Select one Poster from each of THREE topics
(one must be from “It’s A Woman’s War”). In each case,
select the Poster that you believe had the greatest
emotional impact, explain the reason for your decision and
describe the message/goal of the poster.
-
From Part II: Select one Poster from each of THREE topics
(one must be from “This is Nazi Brutality”). In each case.
select the Poster that you believe had the greatest
emotional impact, explain the reason for your decision and
describe the message/goal of the poster.
B. Visit:
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/posters2.htm
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Select a total of FOUR images—Two that promote the Nazi
Cause in a Positive manner and Two that are used to promote
Anti-Semitism/racial inferiority of the enemies of the Nazi
State. Explain the message in each case and discuss why you
believe it may have been effective.
If you need more posters with a positive Nazi Message visit:
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/posters2.htm
C. Visit:
Political Cartoons by Dr. Seuss
http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dspolitic/Frame.htm
Read the introduction and then click on the years in the upper left
corner—1941 AND 1942.
-
For each year, select one cartoon from three different
months—explain the message and the humor. In what way do
these cartoons reflect characters used in the Dr. Seuss’
books for children.
D.
Disney Cartoons and World
War II Propaganda
Visit: http://www.authentichistory.com/ww2/toons/
Choose and View
two different cartoons-- "Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips", "Der
Fuehrer's Face", "Your A Sap Mr. Jap", "Scrap Happy Daffy",
"Seein' Red, White and Blue".
Identify your
choices and for each describe the basic content, message and
use of humor.
E.
Visit:
http://www.authentichistory.com/ww2/news/1941-1944.html
As we discussed, the Radio became a crucial element of news
and entertainment during the 1920’s – 1950’s. In World War II
it was a significant source of information related to the war
effort. Listen to the first broadcast, "Fibber McGee and
Molly", second broadcast
"President
Franklin D. Roosevelt Fireside Chat on the War"
AND select one radio broadcast
of your choice.
For each,
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List the title of the broadcast
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Explain the message
-
What strategies/techniques/arguments were used to convince
the audience?
-
Why was this topic considered crucial to the war effort?
F. Visit:
http://www.authentichistory.com/ww2/news/1941-1944.html
During times of war, our popular music
often reflects nationalism and patriotism—some serious and
others comedic. Often these recording are not considered
“politically correct” within our current definition. If you
find them offensive, remember we are merely listening to a
historical record.
Listen to the four songs, for each:
- What is the topic and message?
- What is the anticipated response of
the audience?
- Will you be downloading this song
to your personal collection?
GO TO "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"
V-Disc by The Andrew Sisters
1. Click
on the Section "American Attitudes Toward the Japanese:
Part II". Scroll Down to: "We're Gonna Have to Slap the
Dirty Little Jap (and Uncle Sam's the Guy Who Can Do It)"
2.
Click on the Section "American Music and the War in
Europe". Scroll Down to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by The Andrew Sisters
3. Pick
any two of you choice from the pages available.
