Cummins World War II Allied Forces Propaganda collection

With the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, Great Britain was desperate to gain the full support of the United States to defeat Nazi Germany. However, Britain was not only fighting against anti-British propaganda but also American isolationism. By the fall of 1940, Britain had gained the sympathy of most Americans after witnessing in newspapers, radio broadcasts, and newsreels the devastating effects of German aerial bombardments of British cities (later coined by the British press as the Blitz), but many Americans still remained fiercely resistant to entering the war. Thus, Britain redoubled its propaganda efforts in the US by concentrating its resources into the British Information Services, located in Rockefeller Center, New York City. The purpose of the British Information Services was to strengthen relations with the US, working to aggressively influence Americans through active promotion and distribution of British views and documents on the war.

The Cummins World War II Allied Forces Propaganda collection includes many British Information Services pamphlets, flyers, and magazines from 1940 to 1944, as well as a few publications from other publishing agencies. The purpose of most of the propaganda material is to prove Britain’s competency and strength. Some propaganda magazines highlight the accomplishments and capabilities of the Royal Air Force, Army and Navy, while others marvel at Britain’s increased production in arms, ammunition, and military vehicles. Some of the propaganda depicts the ordinary accomplishments of the British people as a way to promulgate the stability and vitality of the country. Most importantly, many of the propaganda pamphlets and flyers promote camaraderie against a common enemy. A few pamphlets emphasize the differences between Britain and Germany (and even Japan) to associate Britain with the ideals of democracy and freedom, fighting against the menace of Nazism and fascism. Some touch on the unified strength of the British Commonwealth (or Common Pool) as a way to prove that even colonized, or previously colonized, nations have stayed with Britain and have provided resources and men to fight in the war effort. All of these messages were an attempt to convince Americans that the United States had a clear stake in Britain's war effort and that total support was essential to defeat Germany.