Committee on Public Information

Definition

The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was a government agency established in 1917 during World War I to influence public opinion and promote the war effort in the United States. The CPI played a crucial role in shaping how the American public perceived the war through various communication strategies, including propaganda campaigns, speeches, and publications. This agency marked a significant milestone in the history of public relations by demonstrating the power of organized communication to affect societal attitudes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Committee on Public Information was created by President Woodrow Wilson in April 1917 as the U.S. entered World War I.
2. The CPI employed various media forms, including posters, films, pamphlets, and speeches to disseminate pro-war messages and rally public support.
3. The agency utilized well-known artists and writers to create compelling narratives that resonated with American values and ideals.
4. The CPI's efforts contributed to the widespread adoption of patriotism, leading to increased enlistment in the military and financial support for the war through war bonds.
5. After the war, the Committee was disbanded in 1919, but its techniques and strategies laid the groundwork for modern public relations practices.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee on Public Information utilize different communication strategies to shape public opinion during World War I?
  • The Committee on Public Information employed a variety of communication strategies to effectively shape public opinion during World War I. These included creating compelling propaganda through posters, films, and pamphlets that appealed to American values like patriotism and democracy. By leveraging prominent artists and writers to craft these messages, the CPI was able to successfully rally support for the war effort and encourage enlistment and financial contributions through war bonds.
• Evaluate the impact of George Creel's leadership on the effectiveness of the Committee on Public Information's campaigns.
  • George Creel's leadership had a profound impact on the effectiveness of the Committee on Public Information's campaigns. His ability to mobilize creative talent and organize comprehensive propaganda initiatives allowed the CPI to reach diverse audiences effectively. Under Creel's guidance, the CPI not only communicated wartime messages but also fostered a sense of national unity and purpose among Americans, significantly enhancing public support for U.S. involvement in World War I.
• Assess how the legacy of the Committee on Public Information influenced modern public relations practices in both governmental and corporate contexts.
  • The legacy of the Committee on Public Information has significantly influenced modern public relations practices in both governmental and corporate contexts. The CPI's innovative use of communication strategies and propaganda set a precedent for organized efforts to shape public perception. Today, similar methods are employed by governments and corporations alike to manage crises, promote initiatives, and influence consumer behavior. The recognition of communication's power demonstrated by the CPI has become foundational in public relations theory and practice, underlining its importance in contemporary society.

Related terms

George Creel: The head of the Committee on Public Information, who was responsible for orchestrating the CPI's propaganda efforts and using innovative communication techniques to promote the war.

Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view, which was a key tool utilized by the CPI.

War Bonds: Debt securities issued by a government to finance military operations during wartime, promoted heavily by the CPI to garner financial support from the public.