Date of Award

5-26-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Charles Romney

Abstract

Weekly published magazines served largely as news outlets during World War II, and the images on the covers of these magazines were not only an attention catcher and tone setter, but were images chosen to represent the ever-changing landscape both on the homefront and internationally. In addition, these publications often used photographs that represented the developments their allies and enemies were making in tandem with domestic coverage. The entities publishing the magazines were managed by both the government and independent civilians, dependent on the country, thus providing different views of the war. The coverage in the United States and United Kingdom magazines was balanced between militaristic and popular culture imagery, while the Soviet Union, Switzerland, Japan, and Germany used more photos of militaries and government figures, rather than those of popular culture. Regardless of the magazine, the cover images were a curated glimpse into the desired image of the publishing country, oftentimes with similarities in coverage between the publications. Whether that be portraying superior troops and leadership, powerful vehicles and weaponry, a thriving industrial complex, or a civilian population that was supportive, yet still had entertainment options, each publication portrayed their position favorably. They also portrayed other militaries and societies as inferior, if they published images from other countries.

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