The President has selected people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise to serve on a Propaganda Commission – four people who will challenge one another as they analyze WWII propaganda thoroughly and from different points of view, making more effective their final recommendation. The President has charged the Commission members with seeking the highest truths, not fearing, but embracing controversy, and coming away with the most accurate perspective possible. It is in this manner that the commission members will formulate the most responsible recommendation.

The President also has determined that the study of one state and its citizens’ experiences during WWII would be representative of and accurately reflect the U.S., as a whole; Montana is that designated state. You are asked to use the following four key questions as a framework to guide your study within the context of this time period and the materials you will examine:

KEY QUESTIONS
1. How are propaganda and advertising related?
2. What were some of the propaganda strategies used during WWII? Identify and explain at least three of them with examples.
3. How was the WWII propaganda campaign ethical and/or not ethical?
4. Would a similar propaganda campaign work in today’s world? Be prepared to explain.

Amazing Montanans
Brother went to war with brother Photo courtesy of Henry & Wanda Alsaker
Read the story ... p. 7.