World War II Propaganda Documentaries

Watch World War II Propaganda Documentaries

  • 2019
  • 1 Season

World War II Propaganda Documentaries is a riveting series that explores the propaganda tactics employed during one of the most tumultuous periods in world history. Produced by Total Content Digital, this series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the complexities of propaganda strategies.

Throughout the series, viewers are taken on a journey through the various cinematic and media productions created during World War II. The show explores how different countries utilized propaganda as a tool to control their populations and manipulate public perception of the war.

Divided into multiple episodes, the series begins by examining the propaganda tactics used by the Nazi regime in Germany. This includes analyzing films, posters, and other media produced by the Nazis in an attempt to glorify their soldiers and instill fear in their enemies.

Throughout this section of the series, viewers are given an inside look into the twisted and often gruesome nature of Nazi propaganda. They are shown how propaganda was used to depict Jews, homosexuals, and other groups as the enemy, and how it was employed to shape the public perception of the Holocaust.

Moving on from Germany, the series then delves into the British propaganda campaign, exploring how the country utilized media to bolster national pride and support for the war. This includes examining the impact of films like "The Battle of Britain" and "In Which We Serve," which were used to rally the country and promote the idea of collective sacrifice.

Viewers are then taken through the American propaganda efforts, exploring how the United States utilized film, radio, and print media to build support for the war effort. This includes examining documentaries like "Why We Fight" and the ways in which they were used to convince Americans that they were fighting a just and necessary war.

Throughout the series, viewers are given a glimpse into how each country interpreted propaganda differently and how each one worked to sway public opinion in their favor. This includes understanding the differences in tone and tactics used by various countries and how these tactics evolved as the war progressed.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the series is the way in which it explores the intersection between film and propaganda. The show explains how both documentaries and feature films were used to shape public opinion by blurring the line between fact and fiction.

While primarily focused on propaganda, the series also takes a broader look at the impact of media during World War II. This includes examining how radio broadcasts were used to spread news and propaganda across continents and how newspapers played a vital role in shaping public opinion throughout the war.

Overall, World War II Propaganda Documentaries is an excellent series that offers a nuanced and in-depth look at one of the most fascinating periods in world history. By exploring the ways in which different countries utilized propaganda to shape public opinion, the show offers a unique perspective on the complexities of war and the ways in which media is used to manipulate and control the masses.

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Seasons
The Gun
18. The Gun
January 1, 2019
A propaganda film, with Ed Murrow, made for American consumption to stress the dependence of the British war effort on US production via the Oerlikon gun in convoy defence. It feature's the Royal Navy's role in convoy protection with excellent footage of HMS Nelson, the Mediterranean Fleet and minesweeping by trawlers.
Our Job in Japan
17. Our Job in Japan
January 1, 2019
Training film for U.S. soldiers embarking on occupation duty in Japan. Written by Dr. Seuss and formed the basis for his latter 1947 Oscar-winning film, "Design For Death." This film was seen as too sympathetic to the Japanese and MacArthur worked to suppress it.
It's Your America
16. It's Your America
January 1, 2019
An American soldier, during his combat career, realizes the greatness of his country and determines to assume his share of the responsibilities of good citizenship upon his return to civilian life." Contains "seized enemy material.
Resisting Enemy Interrogation
15. Resisting Enemy Interrogation
January 1, 2019
The movie centers around efforts by German intelligence to find the target of an upcoming raid by the mythical "B-99 bomber." To achieve this end, they interrogate a recently shot-down air crew. The German officers use various methods to discover this information, some of them quite subtle. Though no physical brutality is used, the Germans at one point stage a mock execution.
Don't be a Sucker
14. Don't be a Sucker
January 1, 2019
Dramatizes the destructive effects of racial and religious prejudice. Reel 1 shows a fake wrestling match and "crooked" gambling games. A Nazi speaker harangues a crowd in Germany denouncing Jews, Catholics, and Freemasons. Reel 2, a German unemployed worker joins Hitler's Storm Troops. SS men attack Jewish and Catholic headquarters in Germany, and beat up a Jewish storekeeper.
For God and Country
13. For God and Country
January 1, 2019
1943 For God and Country starring Ronald Reagan, first motion picture unit training film.
Officers and Men
12. Officers and Men
January 1, 2019
As the Second World War raged on, maintaining discipline in the Allied ranks was seen as one of the keys to winning the fight against the Nazis. In August 1944, the British Army released a training film to instruct officers on how best to lead their men. With clipped tones and with some tremendous acting it offers an extraordinary glimpse into a military past.
Scorched Earth: Propaganda - War of the Mind
11. Scorched Earth: Propaganda - War of the Mind
January 1, 2019
There are many weapons of war; fighter planes, heavy tanks and skilled infantrymen but it could be argued that none is more powerful than the power of suggestion. Propaganda and the war of words played an undoubtedly vital role in both the successes and failures of WW2. Governments struggled to gain the upper hand. But one Nazi proved to have a deft talent for spin. Joseph Goebbels.
Safeguarding Military Information
10. Safeguarding Military Information
January 1, 2019
Stresses the importance of secrecy on the part of military personnel and workers engaged in defense activities, and shows the results of careless talk. Ship explosion, sabotage, and disastrous events result from thoughtless revelation of information to enemy.
Our Enemy Japan
9. Our Enemy Japan
January 1, 2019
Our Enemy-The Japanese
Know Your Ally - Britain
7. Know Your Ally - Britain
January 1, 2019
This film was prepared by the War Department to help you to know and understand one of your Allies. Subsequent films of this series will deal with the other people beside whom we fight and with whom we stand or fall.
Intelligence Gathering
6. Intelligence Gathering
January 1, 2019
This film covers interrogation techniques and other intelligence activities.
Combat Counterintelligence
5. Combat Counterintelligence
January 1, 2019
On the danger of giving up information to the enemy. Dramatization compares activities of professional sports scout to information gathering activities of war. Lessons stressed; do not carry cameras, diaries, engraved lighters, etc. They are potentially useful to the enemy. Shows examples of careless behavior that resulted in giving up information which in turn led to disaster for friendly troops.
As the Twig Is Bent
4. As the Twig Is Bent
January 1, 2019
Intended for adults. Promotes family values in the midst of wartime. This film was a response to World War II's fracturing of the family, as adults worked late shifts or were in the military, and children, especially teenagers, ran amuck. Includes scenes of juvenile delinquency, gangsters and criminals, robberies, burglaries, vandalism, drinking and drug use.
Defense Against Enemy Propaganda
3. Defense Against Enemy Propaganda
January 1, 2019
This film examines enemy propaganda and its danger to American way of life, containing examples of media used by the enemy to disseminate propaganda. Actual samples including pamphlets, posters, broadcasts, photographs, and other material to show exactly what is enemy propaganda. Includes stock footage and original shots to show the use of enemy propaganda during war and in peacetime situations.
My Japan
2. My Japan
January 1, 2019
This a complex and disturbing anti-Japanese propaganda film produced to spur the sale of U.S. war bonds. The Japanese powerful commitment to the war is compared to the "lazy, easy living" American commitment. American successes are denigrated and Japanese losses are minimized. The devotion of the Japanese is compared to the immoral Americans. Content advisory: explicit racism and extreme violence.
Mr. Franklin Roosevelt Chats
1. Mr. Franklin Roosevelt Chats
January 1, 2019
This film is a German propaganda piece depicting the United States as a country that exploited its workers and farmers for the benefit of the wealthy, and presents Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill as the main promoters of war. The soundtrack is in German.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    January 1, 2019