The Committee on Public Information (CPI) in US History: A Definition
The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was established during World War I in April 1917 by President Woodrow Wilson. The purpose of the CPI was to drum up support for the US involvement in the war, increase recruitment for the military, and promote patriotism in the American citizens. The CPI is also known as the Creel Committee, named after the journalist George Creel who led the Committee.
The Creation of the CPI
Before the establishment of the CPI, the American public was generally divided about the US involvement in the war. President Wilson recognized the need to gather the support of the citizens to justify joining the Allied forces. The CPI was established as an independent agency, but it received financial support from the government. The CPI employed various tactics to achieve its objectives, such as propaganda, censorship, and media manipulation.
The Objectives of the CPI
The primary objective of the CPI was to influence public opinion in favor of the war. The Committee used various techniques to evoke emotional responses from Americans. Posters were created that depicted Germans as cruel and vicious conquerors, and Americans as brave defenders of freedom. Short films were shown in movie theaters to evoke patriotic feelings in the audience. The CPI also enlisted the help of journalists and newspapers to shape public opinion.
The Significance of the CPI
The CPI was successful in creating a patriotic fervor among the American public. The propaganda and media manipulation techniques employed by the Committee were effective in swaying the opinions of the citizens. The CPI was an essential component in the US propaganda machine during World War I, which played an instrumental role in the eventual US victory. The CPI’s efforts were not limited to the internal audience but also aimed to influence the international community, particularly in Europe, about America’s commitment to the war effort.
The End of the CPI
The CPI was dissolved in 1921 after the war ended, but it left a lasting legacy that influenced the patterns of propaganda in American politics and culture. The techniques employed by the CPI continued to be used by future American presidents and administrations to shape public opinion. The CPI’s impact on media manipulation and propaganda is still felt today in the United States.
Conclusion
The CPI was a significant milestone in the history of the United States, particularly in shaping the country’s approach to propaganda and media manipulation. The Committee played a crucial role in influencing public opinion in favor of the war, and its legacy continues to shape the American political landscape. The CPI’s strategies for propaganda and media manipulation are still in use today, making it an essential chapter in American history.
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