Propaganda For The World War I - 1650 Words

Imagine a powerful tool someone could use in order to reach and influence the masses, from even a small community to a whole nation or even multiple nations. Something that can be used to spread awareness and information, whether it be true or false, used to paint a picture and influence masses to a single viewpoint. Propaganda: â€Å"ideas or statements that are often false or exaggerated and that are spread in order to benefit a cause, a political leader, a government, etc.† Could there be a more perfect tool used to influence millions of people; whether it be promoting or bashing a person, and idea, or a nation? Something as innocent as a poster on wall seen by a passerby, but with a sentimental message that urges attention. People have†¦show more content†¦Nations attacked the dignity and eroded any humanistic view that other nations might have had. Occasionally time was of the essence, and they needed something quick to get the people’s attention and imme diate support and so propaganda was the answer. From the 19th century to the early 20th century, the United States was still largely isolationists; focusing more on domestic affairs and trying to stay out of European affairs. In the United States, President Woodrow Wilson was very opposed to going to war and publically made so aware to the people. Even with tensions building up to the First World War, the U.S. did not want to get involved in European affairs. In his speech of acceptance, President Wilson said â€Å"We have been neutral not only because it was the fixed and traditional policy of the United States to stand aloof from the politics of Europe† but because the United States â€Å"had no part† to play in the war. He portrays the war in a very negative manner, describing it as an â€Å"infection of conflict† and as the â€Å"extension of the fires of hate and desolation.† He also states that our role was to â€Å"serve mankind by reserving our strength and our resources for the difficult day s of restoration and healing.† The U.S. couldn’t turn a blind eye for long though. With a series of events including the Zimmerman Telegram, the attack on the Lusitania, and Germany’s declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare, they were edged on to join. Allied