Committee on Public Information

Definition

The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was an independent agency of the U.S. government created during World War I to influence public opinion and promote the war effort through propaganda. By using various media, including posters, films, and speeches, the CPI aimed to rally support for the war, boost enlistment, and encourage Americans to conserve resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CPI was established by President Woodrow Wilson in April 1917 shortly after the U.S. entered World War I.
2. George Creel led the CPI and employed various communication techniques to create a pro-war narrative among the American public.
3. The CPI produced over 75 million pieces of printed material, including pamphlets and posters, to inform and persuade citizens about the war's importance.
4. The organization also utilized film as a medium for propaganda, producing short films that highlighted American soldiers' heroism and depicted the enemy negatively.
5. The CPI's efforts led to an increase in enlistment rates and a shift in public sentiment toward stronger support for the war effort.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee on Public Information use propaganda to shape public opinion during World War I?
  • The Committee on Public Information utilized various forms of propaganda, including posters, films, and speeches, to shape public opinion about World War I. By emphasizing themes of patriotism and heroism while portraying enemies negatively, the CPI sought to mobilize American citizens' support for the war. Their campaigns encouraged enlistment in the military and promoted conservation efforts, effectively tapping into emotional appeals to galvanize the nation around the war effort.
• Analyze how George Creel's leadership influenced the effectiveness of the Committee on Public Information's campaigns.
  • George Creel's leadership significantly influenced the effectiveness of the Committee on Public Information by employing innovative strategies and coordinating a vast network of communication. He believed in harnessing modern media to engage with citizens, leading to the production of compelling materials that resonated with audiences. Under his direction, the CPI became a powerful force in shaping narratives about the war, demonstrating how effective leadership can drive successful propaganda initiatives in times of national crisis.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Committee on Public Information's activities on American society and government policy regarding free speech.
  • The activities of the Committee on Public Information had lasting implications for American society and government policy concerning free speech. While it successfully rallied support for World War I, it also set a precedent for government involvement in shaping public discourse during crises. The use of propaganda raised concerns about censorship and civil liberties, leading to debates about the balance between national security and freedom of expression. This tension remains relevant today as governments navigate similar challenges in times of conflict or national emergency.

Related terms

Propaganda: Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view, especially in wartime.

George Creel: The head of the Committee on Public Information who played a key role in shaping its propaganda strategies and messages.

Espionage Act of 1917: A law passed to prevent interference with military operations and support for U.S. enemies during wartime, which also limited free speech related to the war effort.