by Christopher Kersting, Nanuet High School
Maura Ronan, Nanuet High School
In this WebQuest the students will learn about the the two types of propaganda; black (negative) and white (positive). The students will examine how both types were used as tools of the government and political parties to influence the general population and media in the years leading up to World War II and in the present.
Teacher Introduction
In this WebQuest the students will learn about the the two types of propaganda; black (negative) and white (positive). The students will examine how both types were used as tools of the government and political parties to influence the general population and media in the years leading up to World War II and in the present.
PROPAGANDA:
Definition from Merriam-webster Online Dictionary
1: the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
2 : ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect
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"Beat back the HUN" |
"Milk.. new weapon of democracy" |
Propaganda has been used as a tool of war since the early humans made loud noises to frighten their enemies. Over the centuries armies would employ various musical instruments, such as war drums, trumpets, and bagpipes, as they marched into battle, with intent of striking fear into the enemy.
The reputation and power of ancient Rome spread in advance of it’s marching legions. The Mongol horsemen of Genghis Khan, sometimes called ‘Huns,’ were known far and wide as the best riders and fiercest warriors in the world. The Vikings, who raided the coasts of Western Europe for during the Middle Ages, were feared so greatly that a Christian prayer asked God to ‘protect us from the fury of the Norsemen (Vikings).’
The United States Civil War (1861-1864), which was really a conflict over the economic future of the country, was made into a ‘holy war’ by the Union on the issue of slavery. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" was sung at Northern street rallies and churches. The Southern states countered with their own song, "Dixie", which extolled the virtues of the agrarian society of the ‘old South,’ but did not mention that it was built on the backs of slaves.
By the time World War I (1914-1918) came the Europeans had begun to realize the power of mass media as a weapon of war. The Allied Powers (led by Great Britain and France, and included the United States) portrayed the Germans (the leader of the Central Powers) as blood thirsty ‘Huns’ (remember Genghis Khan?). On the other hand the German government appealed to the people to defend the ‘Fatherland.’
In the years leading up to World War II the Nazi Party assumed power in Germany. Chancellor Adolf Hitler created the Ministry of Propaganda and Enlightenment. It was given control over radio, press, cinema, and theater and was led by Dr. Josef Goebbels.
The other future belligerents, among them Britain, France, United States, Italy, and Japan, would also make extensive use of propaganda to rally the populace and vilify their enemies.
During the Cold War, a period of hostility between Democratic nations, led by the United States, and Communist nations, led by the Soviet Union, that followed World War II, would see the continued use of propaganda.
The United Nations Commission on Propaganda will study the use of propaganda, both Black and White, in the past and in the present. It's primary concern will be to evaluate how nations and belligerent groups, such as Hamas, Al Qaida, and the Tamil Tigers, are using modern mass media to get their message (sometimes called their version of the 'truth') to the masses.