Propaganda
During World War II, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse weren't just about entertainment. Film studios used animated characters to spread propaganda and educate Americans about their enemies. Even the animators themselves were employed to make insignia for military units and equipment. The widespread familiarity of Walt Disney's productions benefited the US government in producing pro-American war propaganda in an effort to increase support for the war. During World War II, Disney made films for every branch of the US military and government. The government looked to Walt Disney more than any other studio chief as a builder of public morale, providing instruction and training to the sailors and soldiers. This was accomplished through the use of animated graphics by means of expediting the intelligent mobilization of servicemen and civilians for the cause of the war. Over 90% of Disney employees were devoted to the production of training and propaganda films for the government. Throughout the duration of the war, Disney produced over 400,000 feet of educational war films, most at cost, which is equal to 68 hours of continuous film.
During the War, Disney provided some political education for Americans at home and for soldiers on the front too. "Education for Death: The Making of the Nazi" appeared in movie theaters in 1943. The tone of the movie was serious, and didn't feature the likes of Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse. Instead, it used impressive images to describe how children in Nazi Germany were raised to hate and to participate in the war effort. Disney Made sure Americans were aware of the war, and informed on how well they have it in the U.S.
"What a glorius privlege is yours, to be a Nazi. To work 48 hours a day for de fuehrer."
- Nazi Commander in Der Fuehrers Face
During the War, Disney provided some political education for Americans at home and for soldiers on the front too. "Education for Death: The Making of the Nazi" appeared in movie theaters in 1943. The tone of the movie was serious, and didn't feature the likes of Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse. Instead, it used impressive images to describe how children in Nazi Germany were raised to hate and to participate in the war effort. Disney Made sure Americans were aware of the war, and informed on how well they have it in the U.S.
"What a glorius privlege is yours, to be a Nazi. To work 48 hours a day for de fuehrer."
- Nazi Commander in Der Fuehrers Face
Although it hasn't been credited, Walt Disney's involvement in the War with the
use of propaganda caused a major shift. He influenced Americans to get involved with the war by creating and showing propaganda which depicted the U.S. positive while its enemies were bad. Without the use of his cartoons and its impact on the society at the time, the outcome of WWII may not have turned out favor of the United States.
use of propaganda caused a major shift. He influenced Americans to get involved with the war by creating and showing propaganda which depicted the U.S. positive while its enemies were bad. Without the use of his cartoons and its impact on the society at the time, the outcome of WWII may not have turned out favor of the United States.