Date of Award
8-17-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Charles Romney
Abstract
Sequential art is a way of telling a story with images. Throughout history, telling stories by way of graphics has been conveyed in many different ways. Visual narratives began in caves as wall painting and hieroglyphs, and they evolved into newspaper comic strips, and then comic book magazines, and, in more modern times, graphic novels. Over time, many countries have had their own versions of a comic book, but for the United States of America, it became prominent in the 1930’s, and became a major component in World War II by effectively spreading propaganda to American citizens. During the years of 1941-1945, war became commonplace in the minds of the citizens of the United States. And to ensure that Americans never forgot, the government utilized popular culture to spread the message of supporting war. Because comic books were inexpensive and their stories were about heroes who triumphed over evil, they became an inspiration to their audience, and therefore, an innovative way to incorporate the message of getting them to aid in the war efforts. These statements have helped assemble the questions: Did comic books serve as a force for change during World War II? How did they garner this change? And what appeals, through comics, did propagandist try to influence Americans during World War II? After considering many attributes, evidence suggests that propaganda messaging in comic books was tried, and with major success, did effect change. The research presented in this thesis focuses on propaganda and comics and their relationship to World War II. This thesis examines how government agencies used comic books to coerce Americans to buy into World War II through means of aggressive propaganda, racial profiling, and stereotyping. This thesis also examines how comic book characters inspired a nation by promoting “truth, justice, and the American way.” And since comic book superheroes were often depicted as supporters of the war, helping out whenever and wherever they could, Americans wanted to do the same. Comic books encouraged Americans and aided in their belief that supporting the war, in any capacity, was their patriotic duty.
Recommended Citation
Rahmaan, Shakeelah, "Propaganda and Comic Books and Their Relationship with World War II" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 769.
https://research.ualr.edu/etd/769
