Committee on Public Information

Definition

The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was a U.S. government agency established during World War I to influence public opinion and generate support for the war effort through propaganda. It marked a significant evolution in public relations, using various media channels to disseminate information and promote patriotic sentiments among the American population. The CPI's techniques laid the groundwork for modern public relations practices, highlighting the power of communication in shaping public perception and mobilizing resources during times of national crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CPI was created by President Woodrow Wilson in April 1917, shortly after the U.S. entered World War I, aiming to unify public sentiment behind the war effort.
2. The agency used diverse methods such as posters, films, pamphlets, and speeches to disseminate information and encourage enlistment in the military.
3. CPI campaigns portrayed the U.S. as a champion of democracy fighting against tyranny, appealing to American values to strengthen support for the war.
4. George Creel utilized a variety of media, including Hollywood filmmakers, to produce propaganda that effectively reached a wide audience and influenced public attitudes.
5. After the war, the CPI's tactics faced criticism for their manipulative nature, leading to greater scrutiny of propaganda and ethical considerations in public relations.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee on Public Information utilize different forms of media to influence American public opinion during World War I?
  • The Committee on Public Information effectively harnessed various forms of media, including posters, films, pamphlets, and radio broadcasts, to shape American public opinion about World War I. By creating visually striking posters and compelling films that promoted patriotic themes and demonized the enemy, the CPI aimed to foster a unified national sentiment. This multi-faceted approach allowed them to reach diverse audiences across the country, engaging people emotionally and rallying support for the war effort.
• Discuss the role of George Creel in shaping the strategies of the Committee on Public Information and his impact on public relations.
  • George Creel played a pivotal role as the head of the Committee on Public Information, directing its strategies and initiatives throughout World War I. His leadership not only focused on creating effective propaganda but also emphasized collaboration with media professionals and influencers, such as Hollywood filmmakers. Creel's innovative use of mass communication laid essential foundations for modern public relations by demonstrating how strategic messaging can mobilize public support for government initiatives during critical moments.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of the tactics used by the Committee on Public Information in relation to contemporary public relations practices.
  • The tactics employed by the Committee on Public Information raise important ethical questions when compared to contemporary public relations practices. While CPI successfully galvanized support for the war through persuasive messaging, its methods often blurred the lines between fact and manipulation. Today’s public relations professionals face similar challenges in balancing advocacy with ethical responsibility, ensuring transparency while promoting their clients' interests. The legacy of CPI highlights the need for ethical standards in communication strategies that prioritize honesty while still engaging audiences effectively.

Related terms

Propaganda: Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view, often employed by governments to influence public opinion.

George Creel:

The head of the Committee on Public Information, Creel was instrumental in organizing and implementing various campaigns that sought to rally public support for the U.S. involvement in World War I.

Public Relations: The strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics, evolving significantly due to initiatives like the CPI.