page_title: American propaganda during World War II
section_title: Death and injury
hierarchical_section_title: American propaganda during World War II / Themes / Death and injury
caption_attribution_description: The title screen of With the Marines at Tarawa.
context_page_description: During active American involvement in World War II, propaganda was used to increase support for the war and commitment to an Allied victory. Using a vast array of media, propagandists instigated hatred for the enemy and support for America's allies, urged greater public effort for war production and victory gardens, persuaded people to save some of their material so that more material could be used for the war effort, and sold war bonds. Patriotism became the central theme of advertising throughout the war, as large scale campaigns were launched to sell war bonds, promote efficiency in factories, reduce ugly rumors, and maintain civilian morale. The war consolidated the advertising industry's role in American society, deflecting earlier criticism.
context_section_description: Until 1944, the mayhem of war (dead and wounded) was mostly toned down by American propagandists, who followed instructions allowing them to show a few wounded soldiers in a crowd. Later, more realistic presentations were allowed, partly owing to popular demand.  The earlier attitude was supported by the media; for example, NBC warned that broadcasts were not to be "unduly harrowing."  However, the American public wanted more realism on the grounds that they could handle bad news.  Roosevelt finally authorized photos of dead soldiers, to keep the public from growing complacent about the toll of war.
  When The Battle of San Pietro showed dead GIs wrapped in mattress covers, some officers tried to prevent troopers in training from seeing it, for fear of morale; General Marshall overrode them, to ensure that the soldiers took their training seriously.
  The OWI emphasized to returning, battle-scarred soldiers that there were places and jobs for them in civilian life.  This promise was also featured in romantic stories, where a sweet, gentle heroine would help the veteran adjust to civilian life after his return from the war.
caption: With the Marines at Tarawa showed more gruesome battle scenes than previous films.
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