Committee on Public Information

Definition

The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was a government agency established in 1917 to influence public opinion during World War I through propaganda and communication strategies. The CPI played a crucial role in promoting the war effort and encouraging American citizens to support the U.S. involvement in the conflict, significantly shaping how the war was perceived on the home front.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Committee on Public Information was created by President Woodrow Wilson as a response to growing anti-war sentiment and was tasked with rallying public support for U.S. involvement in World War I.
2. The CPI produced a wide range of materials, including pamphlets, posters, films, and speeches, that aimed to promote patriotism and demonize the enemy.
3. The agency employed thousands of 'Four Minute Men' who delivered short speeches in public venues to encourage enlistment and war support.
4. CPI's propaganda efforts included portraying German soldiers as brutal and inhumane, which fostered a sense of unity among Americans against a common enemy.
5. The impact of the CPI's campaigns extended beyond the war, influencing American culture and attitudes toward government communication for years to come.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee on Public Information utilize propaganda to influence American public opinion during World War I?
  • The Committee on Public Information used various forms of propaganda, including posters, films, and speeches, to effectively influence American public opinion. By depicting the war as a moral crusade and portraying enemies negatively, the CPI aimed to foster patriotism and support for U.S. involvement. The agency's efforts helped create a sense of urgency around enlistment and encouraged citizens to buy war bonds, illustrating how powerful messaging can shape national sentiment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Committee on Public Information's strategies in mobilizing support for World War I within American society.
  • The Committee on Public Information was quite effective in mobilizing support for World War I through its targeted propaganda campaigns. By utilizing various media channels and community outreach programs like the 'Four Minute Men,' the CPI was able to reach a broad audience and galvanize public enthusiasm for the war effort. While their efforts successfully increased enlistment and bond purchases, they also led to heightened suspicion of dissenters, showcasing both positive mobilization and negative social consequences.
• Analyze how the work of the Committee on Public Information reflected broader trends in government communication and public engagement during wartime, and what implications this had for future conflicts.
  • The work of the Committee on Public Information reflected significant trends in government communication by emphasizing the need for coordinated messaging during wartime. The CPI's innovative use of mass media set a precedent for future conflicts, establishing propaganda as an essential tool for garnering public support and managing national sentiment. This approach influenced later governmental agencies' strategies during World War II and beyond, highlighting how public engagement is crucial in shaping perceptions of conflict and maintaining social cohesion during times of crisis.

Related terms

Propaganda: Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view, often employed by the CPI to shape public opinion during the war.

George Creel:

The head of the Committee on Public Information, who was instrumental in crafting the agency's messaging and strategies to garner support for the war.

Espionage Act of 1917: A law passed during World War I that imposed severe penalties for anti-war activities, which the CPI utilized to suppress dissent and promote loyalty.