Propaganda During WWII

Beginning before the war, propaganda of a political nature was very prevalent in the United States. It would mostly be employing the appeals of logos and pathos (logic and emotion). The American public would be made to feel that if the country doesn't get involved in the war they were somehow un-patriotic. In other words, getting involved was the "American" thing to do. As time went on and we did join the war, the message slightly changed. While there was still a great air of patriotisim about the propaganda, the focus shifted more to rooting for the troops as one would for a sports team. This sentiment is obvious now in Iraq as well.
In 1940, United Artists co-founder Charlie Chaplin released The Great Dictator, a highly poignant comedic film mocking Hitler and the Nazis. Throughout the film, the actions and lines of the characters hinted toward the need for American involvement in the war. One line in which Hannah states that fighting the stormtroopers is an impossible task if done alone but may be possible with cooperation could be considered a logical appeal. The moving speech given by Chaplin's character at the end is truly a use of pathos if ever there were one.
The "Red Scare" might also be considered an example of pathos. Authorities across the country encouraged great fear and paranoia among the public. The army certainly used the fear to their advantage as seen in one poster that reads "'Arise Americans' Your country and Your Liberty are in grave danger... Protect them now by joining the United States Nave or the U.S. Naval Reserve." (http://www.futureofthebook.org/sivavaidhyanathan/archives/warprop1.jpg)
This might also be seen as one of the logical appeals. To protect your country, join the army and fight. Seems logical enough...right?
To sum up, propaganda was a prevalent and effective form of political persuasion during the WWII era. From film to posters it would seem the general idea was to evoke patriotism whenever possible.

Works Cited

The Great Dictator. Dir. Charles Chaplin. DVD. Charles Chaplin Productions/United Artists, 1940.