This is our fight!: Hollywood animations used as propaganda by United States in World War II (1940-1945)

Abstract

This research intends to analyze the production of American cartoon aimed at propaganda war between 1940-1945, when Hollywood experienced its "golden age" in animation industry. At that time, the cartoons produced by Hollywood studios (such as Walt Disney, Warner Bros., MGM and Universal) circulated thought American society aimed to debauch the enemies, cherish patriotism and convince the public about the importance of purchasing war bonds. At the same time, wanted to spread the idea that every citizen, even if wasn't at the battle fronts, had a decisive role in the conflict. Through film and historiographical analysis, we would like want to analyze how this propaganda was built in animations using, for example, the affirmation of American identity in opposition to the enemies: the German, the Italian and the Japanese. It is also our goal to check if and how the allies, including countries in Latin America, were shown in the cartoons, and what arguments were mobilized to justify some improbably alliances, like the U.S. with the USSR. In addition, we would like to investigate how state agencies (such as the Office of War Information) created in the context of World War II were related to the studios through political games involving agreements, censorship, and the determination of some topics to be focused. (AU)