This thesis discusses US-American propaganda in the years leading to as well as throughout World War II, with a general outlook on how propaganda in the United States developed after 1945. The main focus of this thesis lies on propaganda concerning the Home Front, the forming of the Other, as well as the Auto-Stereotype in the period from December, 1941, to August, 1945. The thesis begins with a historical overview of propaganda and its origins as well as an outline of the most important historical events of the inter-war period, to give a basis for discussion. Then, Confessions of a Nazi Spy as an example for early, pre-war Anti-Nazi propaganda, as well as Father Coughlin?s pro-isolationist speeches and Roosevelt?s rather pro-war Fireside Chats are analysed on this basis.The following chapter begins with an overview of the historic events throughout the war, to give context to the then presented and analysed propaganda. The Home Front propaganda effort, which focussed on recruitment and workers? morale, financing the war, the scarcity of everyday goods, and censorship, is analysed to present how propaganda was used to keep society relatively stable in times of total war. Following, the forming of the Other is discussed and how the Germans, Italians, and Japanese were depicted as enemies. Here, special focus lies on the desired image of the respective people and how the Office of War Information managed to plant these thoughts in the heads of Americans. Similarly, the focus of the next chapter lies on the desired image of the American soldier as well as on how this image was transmitted. Additionally, the presentation of the Allies ? and how these countries were forged to be allies ? is discussed.Next, a historical overview of the years up until today is given, and the development of propaganda is shortly touched on, to show that US-American propaganda effort did not end in 1945.Finally, a conclusion is given to summarize all insights gained. |