Published Patriotism of the Eau Claire Leader : A Focused Look at Newsprint Promotion of World War II Home Front Philosophy, 1941-1942

Abstract

The Second World War placed a heavy burden on the United States and the American Home Front upon its entrance into the conflict. It required a monumental overhaul of industry as well as America culture in order to meet the goals necessary to properly wage war against the opposing Axis powers. The fabric of American society became increasingly complex as the United States government attempted to secure its citizenries, complete support through existing government bodies and the construction of new executive agencies under the increased power of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidency. In conjunction with separate public and private entities, such as the American Red Cross, American civilian populations would have avenues for participating in the war effort outside of military service. However, the information, jobs, and volunteer opportunities spear headed by the aforementioned categorical organizations would have never reached the vast civilian population of the country without the utilization of available media resources of the time period, newspapers being a prime example. Through the use of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin Leader Telegram from the first six months of United States direct involvement in World War II, this capstone aims to show a location-specific example of newsprint media dissemination in relationship to the broader propaganda tactics exhibited by the rest of the nation. Specifically, how the previously mentioned categorical organizations involved in the development of Home Front practices amongst U.S. civilians were facilitated in their development by that particular media source.