WWII Impact
"During World War II, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse weren't just about entertainment. Film studios used animated characters to spread propaganda and educate Americans about their enemies. And the animators themselves were employed to make insignia for military units and equipment."
-Sven Stillich, Spiegal International journalist
-Sven Stillich, Spiegal International journalist
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Mickey Goes to War
Things started to change after Mickey. The Walt Disney Studio expanded, producing more Mickey Mouse cartoons and full length films. One of the company’s biggest opportunities came during WWII. “After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the studio became a barracks and then a quasi-government facility contracted for training, educational, and propaganda films” (Zohn).
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Prior to the war animation had simply been seen as childish entertainment, but gradually the art was finding its purpose through the war. In 1943, Education for Death, and Victory through Air Power, were films created with intent to support the war efforts. Other cartoons intended for the public were also often meant to build morale of the people. They allowed Americans to release and their anger and frustration through crude humor and ridicule. Some films simply reflected the war culture and were pure entertainment, while others carried strong messages meant to arouse public involvement or set a public mood.
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