What Role Does Propaganda Play in War?

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The term ‘propaganda’ carries a wide variety of negative connotations and associations, yet it has a long and integral history in wartime. Propaganda has been evident in a variety of communication forms from ancient times up until the present; its influence plays a fundamental role in the conduct and the strategy of many wars. But just what is propaganda and what role does it have in war? In this article, we delve into these questions and examine the history, role, and effects that propaganda has had and continues to have in war.

What is Propaganda?  

Propaganda can be defined as any kind of communication – whether it is a piece of writing, a video and audio recording, picture, or performance – that is designed to influence a public’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions. The aim of propaganda is to sway the beliefs of the public and generate support for a particular political, communicative, and/or ideological agenda. Propaganda is most commonly used during wartime, when governments strive to galvanize citizens in support of the war effort.

History and Examples  

Propaganda has been used throughout history to manipulate and sway public opinion. Some of the earliest examples can be found in the 3rd Century B.C, when a particularly effective form of propaganda was used by the Macedonians during the Second Punic War. By plastering the walls of a conquered city with messages about their own heroism and power, the Macedonians gave a clear message to the city’s inhabitants and other nearby cities that their country was strong and that resistance was futile.

The Middle Ages also proved to be a prolific period for the effective use of propaganda. During the Crusades, for example, the Church commissioned a dramatic series of tapestries depicting the brutality of the Muslims in stark contrast to the glory and chivalry of the Christians. By appealing to emotion, the Church expressed its moral superiority over the infidels and instilled a powerful message that propelled the campaign forwards.

In more recent history, the most infamous example of propaganda has been Nazi Germany’s propagandistic campaign which was masterminded by Joseph Goebbels. Nazi Germany’s use of language and visuals communicated their powerful ideology, while they also used film, radio, the mass media, speeches, and symbols to further portray Germany’s superiority. The Nazis successfully branded their own meaning of the war in a way that gripped the minds of millions and drove them to support the fascist movement.

Types of Propaganda  

Throughout its long history, propaganda has used a variety of different forms and themes to manipulate public opinion. The five most common types of propaganda are as follows:

  1. Glittering Generalities – This type of propaganda seeks to associate a certain issue with a positive and beloved value or emotion. It aims to evoke an immediate reaction and compel people to agree with the underlying message. Examples of this can include playing off of people’s sense of patriotism, heroism, glory, justice, family values, etc. Politicians often use this tactic during campaigns, for example, to rally support for a desired course of military action.

  2. Name-Calling – This technique involves attaching a negative label to an individual or group in order to distort the public’s perception of that person or group. This is particularly effective when used in a wartime context, where negative labels of the enemy can be used to instill fear in the public and undermine support for the opposing forces.

  3. Transfer – This is a propaganda technique which works by associating a person, idea, or institution with respected values or symbols. The idea is to use this positive association to transfer the viewer’s admiration or reverence of the symbol onto the person, idea, or institution being promoted. Nazi Germany used this technique extensively, most famously through the use of the swastika.

  4. Plain Folks – This involves the propagandist presenting themselves as a regular member of the public in order to relate more easily to the target audience. This technique attempts to win the public’s favor by blurring the line between the elite and average person. Another example is the way that George W. Bush appeared with a flag in the aftermath of 9/11, in an attempt to create a sense of unity amongst the American people.

  5. Testimonials – This form of propaganda relies on the endorsement of a highly-respected figure who the public trusts. This endorsement can come in the form of a direct quote or written statement, but it’s goal is the same – to establish credibility for the message for which the endorser vouches. Testimonials are powerful as they give an implied stamp of approval.

The Role of Propaganda in War  

Propaganda plays a key role in the formulation and execution of war, and has three key components.

  1. Manipulation of Public Support – Governments rely on mass support to successfully carry out and promote the goals of their war. Propaganda acts as a form of persuasion, and when strategically deployed can be a powerful tool to sway public opinion in favor of a nation’s mission.

  2. Disinformation – Wartime propaganda frequently seeks to mislead publics, both internationally and domestically. By making false statements or disseminating information that is designed to damage the enemy’s military position or moral standing, governments are able to distort the truth and alter the course of the war.

  3. Inciting Fear – War is a tool of diplomacy, but in a chaotic and unpredictable environment, governments must be able to manipulate the collective fear of the people in order to ensure that their cause is the one that prevails. Fear can be a mobilizing tactic, and can be summoned via effective propaganda campaigns.

The Effects of Propaganda  

The effects of propaganda during wartime are varied and far reaching. On a primary level, effective propaganda can galvanize a nation’s support for a war, mobilize people to take action and instill fear in the minds of the enemy. On a more neutral note, propaganda can provide an invaluable source of education and information, however negative its intent may be.

On a more negative level, however, wartime propaganda can be not only misleading but also dangerous. It can be used to manipulate public opinion to the point where it becomes hostile and violent, and can also perpetuate false information which can prolong war effort. There are also links which have been made between propaganda and genocide, such as the Nazi’s portrayal of the Jewish population as ‘vermin’ and ‘parasites’ to be eradicated.

Propaganda has been at the heart of war effort since its origins, and it is impossible to determine an accurate depiction of history without taking into consideration its influence. Propaganda is a powerful tool which can both manipulate public opinion and disseminate important information. However, its use can also have devastating consequences and its effects will likely remain debated for centuries.

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