La razón frente a la imposición en las estrategias didáctico-propagandísticas del ejército estadounidense durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial: “Why We Fight” de Frank Capra como ejemplo

Abstract

This article analyses some aspects of the training and propaganda methods which were intended for soldiers in the United States Army when faced with the implications of their country in the Second World War. General George C. Marshall, Commander in Chief, tried to oppose the old fashioned methods of instruction base don physical strength, with mental strength. This aim meant the mounting of an extensive programme which cove-red, as well as military instruction, intelectual trainig, and which relied on, amongst other things, the use of cinema in order to do this. In this latter field, the production of a documentary series of seven episodes “Why We Fight” stood out particularly. The series, right from its very title, seemed to bank on the use of rational argumentation rather tan the emotional, in order to make comprehensible, to the soldiers, the implication of the united States in the world conflicto. However, beyond its rhetorical appearance, the series must have worked as an effective propaganda mecanismo in favor of strategic interests of the North American country.