Some synonyms for propaganda include falsehood, deceit, and brainwashing. The Nazis, as well as the Allied forces used propaganda to impel the emotions of citizens all over the world. The main focus of propaganda was to convince large numbers of people that their cause was righteous. Even though the propaganda in World War II was usually biased and distorted, many people believed it. The Nazis in Germany had the Ministry of Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda; the Soviets had the Propaganda Committee of the Communist Party; the Ministry of Information was in Britain; and the Americans had the Office of War Information.
Fischer, the provoker of this controversy, expresses this concept of German aggression by stating that since c.1900 Germany planned, and then was able to execute a war, due to their aggressive weltpolitik; based purely on expansionism. However, although many historians have agreed with, or adapted this argument, such as the view it was a ‘calculated risk’, or an ‘escape forward’ in order to relieve Germany from their domestic pressures, many have also criticised the approach. For instance, it is interpreted by some that Germany stumbled into a defensive war in order to protect themselves, and their ally; Austria-Hungary. However, considering these aspects, it could be argued that it is most conceivable that that Germany had planned the war and their aggressive foreign policy aimed to provoke a war in order to help their plans of annexation. Fischer’s argument that the outbreak of the First World War was due to Germany’s aggressive foreign policy, with a harsh focus on annexation, can be regarded as one of much significance.
Causes of WW 11 Who, or what was to blame in causing WW 11? The Versailles Treaties have been blamed for fillnig the Germans with bitterness and the desire for revenge. The League of Nations has been for failing to secure general disarmament and collective security. The Great Depression has been mentioned because without it Hitler would never have come to power. While these factors created tension, something more was needed to create the war.
The Nature and Purpose of World War II Propaganda Posters Abstract Prior to and during World War II, the United States government engaged in an extensive poster propaganda campaign to inspire Americans about a wide range of issues relating to the war. These posters were designed to make an emotional appeal to U.S. citizens to participate in the war effort. The Nature and Purpose of World War II Propaganda Posters With so many still feeling the effects of the great depression, and dealing with the aftermath of World War I, the preponderance of the United States did not support participation in World War II. Most citizens thought that getting involved in a costly war was not the best decision for America; that our resources should be spent rebuilding the country, not fighting another conflict. The United States government recognized that sooner or later America would be involved in the war, so for this reason, the government launched a massive poster propaganda campaign to convince the American public of the immediate danger presented by the Axis powers (Germany, Japan, and Italy).
A major cause of WWII was the fact that both Germany and Japan felt that they did not have the amount of power that they deserved. Germany wanted to regain the power it was stripped of through The Treaty of Versailles after its loss in WWI. Japan wanted to have a large empire and to be treated as a major power. The allies resisted this because they were happy with the status quo. The major similarity of WWI and WWII to me is that both were caused by countries trying to with the status quo in the international system.
The reason why so many people joined these extremists was that in the Treaty of Versailles the Germans would have to accept ‘the War guilt clause’. Everyone found this an outrage as the Germans eventually signed the Treaty. The Govterment system that was put in through the Weimar was democracy. This new system was new to Germany and looked to be crumbling after the first few years. The country had a militaristic past as which had gave the President some concerns that the old elite may try and overturn the Weimar with much support.
Fascism in Italy & Germany Fascism was a very powerful yet motivating type of government that the people of Germany and Italy believed would bring dramatic change to their world. Unfortunately, many of them later realized that it could have helped them at the time however it took away all of their individual rights and freedom to focus solely on the bettering of their nation as one. The years following World War I took a drastic toll on the people of both Italy and Germany; there was an economic depression as well as political instability. Why did the people fall for such a horrid government you may ask? Desperate people fall for desperate situations.
This was especially the case for Germany as she was to reap the blame for the First World War. The peace treaties took place soon after the final bloodbath of WW1, emotions would have been raging which would have tainted some of the decisions made, and soldiers would have retired back to their homes and would have been reluctant to want to be involved in border shifting and disputes. The Allied countries wanted Germany to concur to a harsh settlement but the United States brought diplomacy into the situation. The treaties were not just and reasonable but without the United States, Germany would have been handed a much harsher punishment. The injustice of the settlement unintentionally gave birth to long term problems, including key events for the lead up to the Second World War.
Their were many causes of World War One such as a growing sense of militarism, and Imperialism. The first cause of World War One was Militarism, Which is to take pride in a countries military. This also goes along with arms race, which has to do with all the countries wanting to have the best armies and navies with the best weapons. Out of all the rivalries, one stood out. The Naval rivalry which was between Great Britain and Germany.
They consisted of Britain, Russia and France against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy (who later switched sides). I believe that alliances were the most important cause of WW1, because instead of making allies to prevent war, the alliance system actually had an opposite effect. Alliances are a long-term cause to WW1 because they take a considerably long time to make. It led to distrust for each country and secrecy with some countries resulting in an increase in tension. The main leaders of ‘World War 1’ in the ‘Triple Entente’ were George V (British Empire), Raymond Poincaré (France) and Nicholas II (Russia).