During World War II the United States implemented the large-scale usage of propaganda as a weapon of war. Every medium available was used to increase patriotism and support for the war. Children especially were exposed to the various forms of propaganda as expectations of children during wartime changed. Children were taught from modern propaganda that war was "necessary" and "justified". The invention of photography, film, and the radio persuaded citizens to contribute to the war effort and buy war bonds. World War II propaganda was not just confined to stores, commercials, work places, and building fronts. It was also found in schools, intentionally designed and placed to attract the attention of children.1 This is because the message of propaganda in the war was not intended solely for adult men or women. This was Total War, and every American, including children, was a valuable asset in the war effort. The entire nation served as a united front by contributing to the war effort. Emphasis on the home front was imperative to the war as every citizen was asked to make extra efforts to ensure an American victory. The propaganda posters and TV commercials urged Americans to ration and save any leftover food for the soldiers that were putting their lives on the line. Young people experienced childhood that included carrying out their civic duty above all else.2 Nancy Potter, who was a child growing up during WWII, said, "I think all of our patterns of life, particularly our romances, our attitudes toward objects, our attitudes toward the future, our attitude toward education, all had to do with the war. I cannot imagine a day that I spent from the time I was 14 until I was 19, that I wasn't aware of the war for a good part of the day, and it had an impact on everything that I chose to do."3 Food, gas, and clothing were rationed, as families received ration stamps to claim their allotment of these goods. Children learned to live by the motto "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without". They worked to save pennies, collected scrap metal and aluminum to make equipment needed for war, and knitted hats and scarfs for soldiers and refugees. They also planted “victory gardens” that added to the food supply to ensure that soldiers had enough food to eat. By 1945, some 20 million gardens were in use and accounted for about 40 percent of all vegetables consumed in the U.S.3 World War II was a time when everyone wanted to belong; you wanted to do your part with the war effort.4 Lasting changes involving family dynamics resulted from the war. Women filled roles in factories, which ultimately changed traditional gender roles, and children were expected to grow up faster to aid in war efforts. 1“History in Photographs”. Last modified June 27, 2014. http://historyinphotos.blogspot.com/2014/06/john-vachon-color-photos.html. 2Robinson, Heather. “Children on the Home Front.” Accessed August 10, 2014. http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/world-war-ii/resources/children-home-front. 3Comiskey, Breana. Interview with Nancy Potter. What Did You Do in the War, Grandma? "Life would never be the same again". 1995. 4Woodburn, Kate. “Civilians Did Their Part to Aid War Effort.” Moline Dispatch Publishing Co.Accessed August 10, 2014 http://www.qconline.com/progress99/2ration2.shtml. |