The Office of War Information

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the establishment of the Office of War Information (OWI) which emerged in 1942 out of a desire to clear the misunderstanding and confusion of the American people regarding the war. The paper focuses on why domestically the OWI was short lived and received little success; while its international branch was thriving and helped earn victory for the allies.

From the Paper:

"OWI experienced incredible success overseas. This success can be seen not only through military victory, but also through the actions of Axis propaganda. As the OWI became more involved, attacks upon the OWI in Axis media and enemy precautions and countermeasures against the OWI increased. For example, in Nazi newspapers there were complaints about people secretly listening to British and American broadcasts and warnings that London and Washington were trying to destroy the German people through this propaganda. Also, Nazi propagandists called the OWI a team of professional liars designed to hide the truth and to lie about the American defeat. The Axis had to fight back because the OWI was interfering with their programs and causing them to fail. The OWI was hindering the Axis' ability to scare the Americans, as well as their ability to control the thoughts of their own people."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Davis's New Job." The Washington Post, June 17, 1942, p.9.
• "Government Films Further Roosevelt's Aims, Says Holman." The Washington Post, February 9, 1943, p.7.
• National Archives. "United Newsreel Motion Pictures, 1942-45." http://video.google.com/nara.html.
• "OWI Propaganda." The Washington Post, May 22, 1943, p.6.
• "Press Gag Charged." The Washington Post, June 16, 1943, p.17.

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