Committee on Public Information

Definition

The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was a U.S. government agency created in 1917 to influence public opinion during World War I through propaganda. It aimed to promote the war effort and ensure that citizens supported the government’s military actions by controlling information and shaping narratives about the war. This agency played a significant role in how the government communicated with the public and was a key tool in implementing censorship and propaganda.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CPI was established by President Woodrow Wilson in April 1917, shortly after the U.S. entered World War I.
2. George Creel, a journalist, was appointed as the head of the CPI and orchestrated its efforts to disseminate pro-war information.
3. The CPI produced pamphlets, posters, films, and speeches to rally public support for the war and to instill a sense of patriotism.
4. The agency also encouraged citizens to report disloyalty and dissent, contributing to an environment of suspicion and fear during the war.
5. The activities of the CPI led to debates about free speech and government control over information, which would have lasting implications for media and public discourse.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee on Public Information use propaganda to influence public opinion during World War I?
  • The Committee on Public Information employed various forms of propaganda, including posters, films, and pamphlets, to shape public opinion in favor of World War I. By crafting messages that highlighted patriotism and demonized the enemy, the CPI sought to unify citizens around the war effort. The agency's strategies were designed not only to inform but also to persuade citizens to support military actions and contribute to war-related initiatives such as buying war bonds.
• Discuss the ethical implications of censorship practices employed by the Committee on Public Information during its operations.
  • The censorship practices used by the Committee on Public Information raised significant ethical concerns regarding freedom of expression and government overreach. The CPI not only promoted favorable narratives but also suppressed dissenting voices that criticized the war or the government's actions. This suppression resulted in a chilling effect on free speech, as individuals feared retribution for expressing anti-war sentiments, leading to questions about the balance between national security and civil liberties.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Committee on Public Information's propaganda techniques on modern journalism and media ethics.
  • The techniques developed by the Committee on Public Information have had a lasting impact on modern journalism and media ethics, particularly regarding how information is curated and disseminated during times of crisis. The blending of news reporting with government messaging raised questions about objectivity and bias that continue to resonate today. As media outlets navigate their roles in reporting versus shaping public discourse, lessons from the CPI highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in journalism, ensuring that audiences are informed rather than manipulated.

Related terms

Propaganda: Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

Censorship: The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information considered objectionable or harmful.

Espionage Act:

A U.S. federal law enacted in 1917 that imposed severe penalties for any interference with military operations or support of U.S. enemies during wartime.