The Office of War Information and Its Direction in Virginia
The Office of War Information was a government agency, directed by Elmer Davis, created to distribute propaganda “through all media of information, programs designed to facilitate public understanding of the status and progress of all aspects of the war effort”.[1] Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 13, 1942, the need to have enough support and resources to provide for the nation as they entered the war, was heavily needed as they were still recovering from the Great Depression. The OWI was the solution to getting the entirety of the nation to get involved. Among the strategies used by the OWI, was the use of propaganda. Propaganda that varied from radio broadcasts, animations, films and the most effective use, posters. The many strategies and tactics used within propaganda varied from inspiring, encouraging and influencing people to contribute to the war effort but, within those strategies included instilling fear and guilt into Americans showing the consequences of those who did not comply or violated war time protocols.[2] Across the country, OWI issued propaganda that was distributed to each state in the country, spreading awareness for the national war effort and who issued forms of propaganda of their own.
Among Virginia, ensuring that propaganda was widely spread and that every individual did their part was a main priority. As per the OWI’s intentions, states like Virginia made use of the propaganda that was being distributed to them, promoting them through every outlet possible. The poster depicting Robert E. Lee, a Confederate General and Virginia native, promoting Virginians to join the "Lee Navy Volunteers", is an example of an Virginia issued poster using a state figure to give citizens a sense of state pride aside from a national one.
The OWI assigned 1000 boy scouts to distribute propaganda posters in the D.C. area and several counties in Maryland and Virginia. This was taking place in several other cities within the country showing that the OWI was making use of those who were available, including women and children.
Similar to other states, promoting propaganda within Virginian newspapers was an efficient way of informing and reminding a wide range of people how they can contribute to the cause on a daily basis. Within newspaper articles, promoting the war effort was to raise awareness and influence people to their part. In the Highland Recorder newspaper of Highland county, citizens who do their part for the war effort are not solely supporting the county but the nation as a whole.[3] Setting aside any petty difference with the national government and practicing what propaganda is being spread, are all for the benefit of Virginia and the country.
[1] New York. Executive Department Division of Commerce. Handbook of War Agencies. Albany, New York: Executive Department. September 1942. Pg. 23
[2] Witkowski, Terrence H. "World War II Poster Campaigns: Preaching Frugality to American Consumers." Journal of Advertising 32, no. 1 (2003): Pg. 72.
[3] "You Can Help Win The War", Highland Recorder, April 03, 1942, Virginia Chronicle.
A news paper from the Highland Recorder on the war effort.