Wartime Information Board

Definition

The Wartime Information Board was a Canadian government agency established during World War I to control the flow of information and propaganda to the public. It played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, encouraging enlistment, and managing war-related messages, reflecting the significant influence of government control over society and the economy during wartime.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wartime Information Board was created in 1917 as part of the Canadian government's efforts to manage public opinion and maintain morale during World War I.
2. This board produced posters, films, and pamphlets that promoted enlistment and encouraged support for the war effort among Canadians.
3. The board worked closely with various organizations and media outlets to ensure consistent messaging that aligned with government objectives.
4. By controlling information, the board aimed to suppress dissent and discourage anti-war sentiment within Canadian society.
5. The influence of the Wartime Information Board set a precedent for future government involvement in information management during times of national crisis.

Review Questions

• How did the Wartime Information Board shape public opinion in Canada during World War I?
  • The Wartime Information Board significantly shaped public opinion by producing materials that encouraged enlistment and support for the war effort. Through propaganda such as posters and films, it conveyed messages aimed at fostering patriotism and unity among Canadians. By controlling the narrative around the war, the board effectively influenced how individuals perceived their role and responsibilities in supporting the national cause.
• Discuss the methods used by the Wartime Information Board to control information and how they impacted society during the war.
  • The Wartime Information Board employed various methods to control information, including censorship of media content and the dissemination of government-approved propaganda. This control aimed to suppress dissenting voices and negative sentiments about the war. By carefully curating information available to the public, the board ensured that citizens were exposed primarily to positive messaging about military efforts, which ultimately affected social attitudes towards war participation and national identity.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Wartime Information Board's practices on government control of information in Canada.
  • The practices of the Wartime Information Board have had lasting implications for how governments manage information during times of crisis in Canada. By establishing a framework for controlling public perception through propaganda and censorship, future administrations have been influenced by its approach to information dissemination. The board's legacy highlights the delicate balance between national security interests and citizens' rights to access unbiased information, raising important questions about governmental power in shaping public discourse during emergencies.

Related terms

Propaganda: Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view, especially during wartime to influence public perception.

Censorship: The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information that may be considered objectionable or harmful by authorities.

Victory Bonds: Debt securities issued by the Canadian government during World War I to finance military operations and encourage citizen investment in the war effort.