What was the Purpose of the Office of War Information?
During World War II, the United States government created the Office of War Information (OWI) in June 1942, with the primary goal of coordinating the production and distribution of propaganda, newsreels, and other forms of information to promote American unity and mobilize support for the war effort. The OWI played a crucial role in shaping American public opinion and morale.
The Origin of the OWI
The need for a centralized office for war information became apparent during the early stages of World War II. In May 1942, the War Department and the Treasury Department realized that there was a lack of coordination among government agencies and the news media regarding the production of war-related news and information. To address this issue, the Roosevelt administration decided to create a new office, which would oversee the production and distribution of all war-related information.
Key Goals of the OWI
The OWI was established with the following key goals:
- To provide accurate and timely information to the American public about the war effort and the American military’s activities
- To promote American unity and morale by emphasizing the common goals and sacrifices of Americans
- To counter the propaganda of enemy nations, particularly Germany and Japan, and to refute enemy rumors and misinformation
- To coordinate the efforts of all government agencies involved in information production and distribution
- To work closely with the news media to ensure accurate and responsible reporting of war-related news
Organizational Structure and Functions
The OWI was a relatively small organization, with a total of approximately 2,000 employees by the end of the war. The agency was structured into several departments, each responsible for a specific function:
- Information Policy Division: This department developed the overall information policy and strategy for the OWI, and was responsible for coordinating the activities of all other departments.
- Domestic Division: This department focused on producing and distributing information to the American public, including newsreels, films, and propaganda materials.
- International Division: This department dealt with foreign-language broadcasting, and worked closely with international organizations to counter enemy propaganda.
- Morale Division: This department was responsible for promoting American unity and morale, and included the creation of morale-building materials such as posters and pamphlets.
- Research and Analysis Division: This department conducted research on public opinion, attitudes towards the war, and other related issues, and provided analysis and recommendations to senior officials.
OWI’s Information Output
During its existence, the OWI produced a wide range of information materials, including:
- Newsreels: The OWI produced over 300 newsreels during the war, covering a variety of topics such as military actions, troop morale, and home-front efforts.
- Films: The OWI produced over 100 films, including training films, educational films, and propaganda films.
- Radio broadcasts: The OWI broadcast to over 20 foreign languages, and worked closely with the Voice of America to provide accurate and timely information to foreign audiences.
- Print materials: The OWI produced a wide range of print materials, including posters, pamphlets, and newsletters, to promote American unity and morale.
- News and Feature Stories: The OWI provided news and feature stories to newspapers, magazines, and wire services, which were then distributed to audiences around the world.
Impact of the OWI
The OWI had a significant impact on the war effort, particularly in terms of shaping American public opinion and morale. By providing accurate and timely information to the public, the OWI helped to counter enemy propaganda and maintain morale on the home front. The OWI also worked closely with the news media to ensure responsible reporting of war-related news, which helped to promote unity and cooperation among Americans.
Legacy of the OWI
Although the OWI was dissolved in September 1945, shortly after the end of World War II, its legacy continued to shape American government communications efforts. The OWI’s experience and expertise were applied to subsequent conflicts, including the Cold War and the Korean War, and its institutional memory was carried forward by other government agencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Office of War Information was established in 1942 with the primary goal of promoting American unity and mobilizing support for the war effort. Through its information production and distribution activities, the OWI played a crucial role in shaping American public opinion and morale during World War II. The agency’s impact continued to shape American government communications efforts for decades after the war.
Key Takeaways:
- The Office of War Information was established in June 1942 to promote American unity and mobilize support for the war effort.
- The OWI’s key goals included providing accurate and timely information, promoting American unity and morale, and counteracting enemy propaganda.
- The agency was structured into several departments, including information policy, domestic, international, morale, and research and analysis.
- The OWI produced a wide range of information materials, including newsreels, films, radio broadcasts, print materials, and news and feature stories.
- The agency’s impact was significant, particularly in terms of shaping American public opinion and morale during World War II.
- The OWI’s experience and expertise were applied to subsequent conflicts, including the Cold War and the Korean War.
