Film and Motivation -- The 'Why We Fight' Series.
Abstract
During World War II, Frank Capra, a well known Hollywood motion pictures director, made a series of seven films for the Army to tell the soldiers 'Why We Fight'. These were soldiers who had grown up between the two World Wars. They were the offspring of the Depression and the bitter debates between isolationism and interventionism. The country was involved in a war that had to be fought, and had to be won. Yet, tremendous resources were expended to tell them why they had to fight. Research for this study began with a review of each of these films. This study includes a brief review of propaganda and its use within the United States and by Nazi Germany. The importance, and the impact of, public opinion and morale will be reviewed. The study will also include a review of the role of Hollywood prior to and during World War II. Having reviewed several of the major events leading up to the making of the film series, each of the films will be discussed. The soldier of yesterday, like the soldier of today, had a right to know 'Why We Fight.'
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 07, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA237991
Entities
People
- Barry E. Cardwell
Organizations
- United States Army War College