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 promote support for the war effort through propaganda. It utilized various forms of media, including posters, films, and speeches, to rally the American public and shape their perceptions of the war, emphasizing patriotism and unity while suppressing dissent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CPI was created in April 1917, shortly after the U.S. entered World War I, to ensure that Americans were informed about the war while also encouraging support for it.
2. Under George Creel's leadership, the CPI produced a vast array of materials, including films, pamphlets, and posters that portrayed the war as a noble cause and depicted the enemy in a negative light.
3. The committee employed over 75,000 'Four Minute Men' who were tasked with delivering speeches at events and gatherings to spread pro-war messages.
4. The CPI's efforts also included censorship measures to control negative press and discourage anti-war sentiments, significantly impacting freedom of speech during that era.
5. The success of the CPI set a precedent for future government use of public relations and propaganda in times of crisis or war.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee on Public Information use different forms of media to influence public opinion during World War I?
  • The Committee on Public Information leveraged various media channels to effectively sway public opinion in favor of the war. They created impactful posters, engaging films, and informative pamphlets that highlighted themes of patriotism and sacrifice. By utilizing volunteer speakers known as 'Four Minute Men,' they reached audiences in communities across the nation with concise messages that encouraged support for the war effort.
• Evaluate the role of George Creel in shaping the strategies employed by the Committee on Public Information.
  • George Creel played a pivotal role as the leader of the Committee on Public Information, where he developed innovative strategies to promote U.S. involvement in World War I. He emphasized using emotional appeal and mass communication techniques to create compelling narratives around the war. His leadership ensured that propaganda was not only widespread but also resonated deeply with the American public, thus solidifying his influence over wartime messaging.
• Analyze how the actions of the Committee on Public Information impacted the perception of dissent and free speech during World War I.
  • The Committee on Public Information significantly affected how dissent was perceived during World War I by employing both propaganda and censorship. While it sought to unify public sentiment around the war effort, its actions led to an environment where criticism of the government or anti-war sentiments were often viewed as unpatriotic. This created tension between national loyalty and individual rights, highlighting a delicate balance between promoting public support for war and preserving freedom of expression, ultimately influencing how such conflicts would be managed in future crises.

Related terms

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

George Creel:

The head of the Committee on Public Information who played a crucial role in shaping U.S. wartime propaganda strategies.

Four Minute Men: A group of volunteer speakers organized by the CPI who delivered short, persuasive speeches about the war in public places across the country.