Media British propaganda during World War II

1 media

1.1 cinema

1.1.1 newsreels


1.2 posters

1.2.1 april 1939 motivational posters trio


1.3 leaflets
1.4 books
1.5 radio

media
cinema

the story of british cinema in second world war inextricably linked of ministry of information. formed on 4 september 1939, day after britain s declaration of war, ministry of information (moi) central government department responsible publicity , propaganda in second world war. ministry s function present national case public @ home , abroad . moi keenly aware of value of commercially produced entertainment films in furthering national cause , maintained close contact film makers:

the ministry both advised producers on suitability of subjects had suggested, , proposed subjects thought overseas. whenever ministry had approved subject gave every producer in obtaining facilities make film.

as result, typical british war film attempts construct gripping suspense story @ same time conveys propaganda ideas in support of allied cause. kenneth clark, head of films division of moi, argued in 1940 public must convinced of german brutality, stating should emphasise wherever possible wickedness , evil perpetrated in occupied countries. subsequently, home planning committee felt essential portray evil things confront ... fortify continue struggle . 1942, fear of invasion (as depicted in films such went day well?) had receded, , film makers began turn brutal reality of life in occupied countries. day dawn (1942) film norwegian resistance, while uncensored told story of belgian resistance. tomorrow live show french resistance , heroism of ordinary french civilians, while 1 of our aircraft missing (1942) shows dutch civilians risking lives group of british airmen england.

films imported. churchill ordered entire sequence of frank capra s why fight shown public.

newsreels

newsreels had particular effect on american audiences, dome of st. paul s on ruins being particularly significant image.

posters

careless talk costs lives. mr. hitler wants know!

posters used in propaganda campaigns. content ranged simple instructions purely motivational content. 1 series of posters london transport featured billy brown of london town.

the april 1939 motivational posters trio

these posters series of 3 issued motivational poster british government in 1939. 3 posters in series were, freedom in peril, defend might. courage, cheerfulness , resolution bring victory (all versions capitalised, second printing included considerable underlining of nouns more emphasis) , keep calm , carry on . original designs approved mass production , distribution in april 1939.

leaflets

leaflets used propagandizing enemy-held territory, dropping them aeroplanes. phoney war, pamphlets being dropped. on anniversary of hitler s premature declaration of victory against soviet union, in 1941, copies of völkischer beobachter reporting story dropped on germany.

one italian 1 invoked garibaldi, had said italy s future linked great britain s, declaring bombings curse of garibaldi .

books

a few weeks after d-day, crates of books landed in normandy, distributed french booksellers; equal number of american , british efforts included.

radio

radio used, broadcasts in 23 languages; proved rather simpler occupied countries germany itself.

edward r. murrow s broadcasts of blitz particularly useful in propagandising united states, because of calm, factual, , unopininated manner; received full rein , facilities, access churchill. reports of british courage , tenacity helped stimulate hope.

transmitters in england pose broadcasting germany, factual reports studded lies.