WWII EC: Propaganda Cartoons - Anti-Axis Propaganda Medium

Background - When it was clear that World War II was approaching, Americans did not want to go to war. Having sustained losses in World War I and only now coming out of an economic crisis, most Americans thought that energies should be spent here at home, improving America, instead of becoming involved in war overseas. Even as the war started in Europe with the invasion of France, many Americans thought that the U.S. should avoid becoming involved. However, the government recognized that American participation was necessary, and quickly stepped up pro-war propaganda. During World War II (1941–45), American propaganda was used to increase support for the war and commitment to an Allied victory. Using a vast array of media, propagandists fomented hatred for the enemy and support for America's allies, urged greater public effort for war production and victory gardens, persuaded people to save some of their material so that more material could be used for the war effort, and sold war bonds. Patriotism became the central theme of advertising throughout the war, as large scale campaigns were launched to sell war bonds, promote efficiency in factories, reduce ugly rumors, and maintain civilian morale. In addition to the familiar use of propaganda posters, comic books, cartoons, animation, and film were also used as well by both the Allies and Axis powers.

• Comic books and cartoons - Comic strips, such as Little Orphan Annie introduced war themes into their stories.Even before the war, sabotage and subversion were common themes in action-oriented strips.Just as is done today, editorial cartoonists also sought to sway public opinion. For example, Dr. Seuss supported interventionism and an end to US neutrality even before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• Many comic book superheroes were shown combating Axis spies or activities in America and elsewhere, for example comic books depicting Superman attacking German forces. 

Extra Credit: Dr Seuss Goes To War - Dr. Seuss’s World War II Political Propaganda Cartoons - 
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/08/10/dr-seusss-wartime-propaganda-cartoons/
http://libraries.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dswenttowar/
http://www.comicsalliance.com/2009/11/13/dr-seuss-goes-to-war-WWII-nazis/
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/politicaldrseuss/gallery.html\
http://www.thebreman.org/the-museum/winter10w.pdf

http://www.teacheroz.com/WWIIpropaganda.htm

http://blogs.baylor.edu/propagandaovertime/

http://library.thinkquest.org/C0111500/ww2/american/amerprop.htm

Scene from Disney's Education for Death 

Animation Films/Cartoons - World War II transformed the possibilities for animation. Prior to the war, animation was seen as a form of childish entertainment, but that perception changed after Pearl Harbor was attacked. On 8 December 1941, the U.S. Army immediately began working with Walt Disney. Army personnel were stationed at his studio and lived there for the duration of the war. A military officer was actually based in Walt Disney’s office. The U.S. Army and Disney set about making various types of films for several different audiences. Most films meant for the public included some type of propaganda, while films for the troops included training and education about a given topic. Films intended for the public were often meant to build morale. They allowed Americans to express their anger and frustration through ridicule and humor. Many films simply reflected the war culture and were pure entertainment. Others carried strong messages meant to arouse public involvement or set a public mood. Cartoons such as Bugs Bunny Bond Rally and Foney Fables pushed viewers to buy war bonds, while Scrap Happy Daffy encouraged the donation of scrap metal, and Disney's The Spirit of '43 implored viewers to pay their taxes. WARNING: Viewed through today's lens we can see the "cultural insensitivity" that existed at the time towards "the enemy" as was depicted in the cartoon images. Today we would correctly see many of the images in the cartoons as not only culturally insensitive, but downright racist, and as a result may rightfully find them offensive. 

US Anti-Axis Cartoons/Animated Film

Education for Death (1943)

In Der Fuehrer's Face (1943)

The Ducktators (1942)

WWII propaganda cartoon

The New Spirit

Three Little Pigs 

The Income Tax  

WWII Cartoon (1942)

Donald Duck Army Ranger (1944)

Any Bonds Today

Bury the Axis (1943) 

Stop That Tank! (1942)

Donald Duck  Sky Trooper (1942)

Goofy - How to be a Sailor 

War Dogs (1943)

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Private Snafu - Booby Traps

Private SNAFU  Camoflague 

Private Snafu Fighting Tools 

Private Snafu Gas (1944)

Private Snafu The Outpost 

Soviet Anti-Axis Animated Films

How was propaganda used in WWII?

http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/lessons/propaganda/propaganda_lesson.html