Hollywood at War: WWII Propaganda | Rob Buscher

After a full conference day, all five guest speakers came together and shared additional comments and asked each other questions about personal and professional connections to the subject of pop culture, propaganda, and politics. From psychology to movies, the speakers at this year's conference brought compelling views on the use of propaganda, before, during and after the Pacific War. Watch this engaging conversation and great inciteful questions from the audience.

This talk explores the critical role that popular culture played in building U.S. public morale in support of the war effort during World War II. It analyzes the historical context of Isolationism that preceded U.S. entry into World War II, and the ways in which the Office of War Information and the Office of Strategic Services collaborated with culture industry leaders in film, music, radio, and news media to build and sustain popular consensus in support of the nation’s successful global fight against the Axis Powers.

At the Annual Nimitz Conference Dr. Ambyre Ponivas gives an overview of the science of fear appeals, when and how they are used, potential consequences, and highlights specific instances of fear appeal propaganda utilized during World War II.