Drift Towards War
What is the Drift Towards War?
A mass suggestion, of which the force becomes terrific when the whole nation is in a state of violent collective excitement before war.
Radio (5/26/1940):
Analysis:
In the US, radio was an effective tool for propaganda and was used more often than other types of media. When there were suggestions of war in the United States or when the government needed to gain collective excitement and support for war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Fireside Chats. This series used the radio to make announcements and inform the citizens of the movements of war. Between 1933 and 1944, the President used this radio to directly communicate with the citizens. The episode above, Fireside Chat 15: On National Defense, is only one of the thirty addresses that FDR gave, and his serious and determined tone persuades the audience to listen to his suggestions. He uses words and statements such as "
I think it is right on this Sabbath evening that I should say a word in
behalf of women and children and old men who need help -- immediate help in
their present distress -- help from us across the seas, help from us who are
still free to give it, " in order to persuade to help assist the war. Overall, these radio propaganda episodes had a great impact on society in terms of bringing up people on their feet to act.
Script for the Radio Recording:
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