In 1941, the Unites States Department assigned the Disney Production company and some of its animators, to relocate to South America as part of the Good Neighbor Policy, in exchange for financial help with the film Saludos Amigos. Briefly after the release of Dumbo in 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and we were hastily preparing for war. After the war had begun, much of the film producing had stopped as many of Walter's animators were drafted. The Disney Production company was essentially converted into a propaganda machine for the Government. In addition, the Walt Disney Production Company worked with the U.S. Army and Navy Bureau of Aeronautics to produce training and instruction films for the military. The Navy requested that animations be made to educate sailors on navigation tactics. They also created short films such as Der Fuehrer's Face, featuring Donald Duck, as a use of propaganda and to influence Americans to buy war bonds. Der Fuehrer's Face later went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. In another effort to boost the morale of the Americans at home, Disney produced Victory Through Air Power in 1943. Throughout the war, the company effectively used Donald Duck, among other characters to communicate their ideas while introducing the world to the Disney characters at the same time. Other short films such as Donald Gets Drafted, were used to spark patriotism and romanticize Army life. Disney produced 68 hours of educational war films over the duration of the war. With the use of propaganda and educational films being such a big hit, the Treasury Department requested that Walt Disney create a short animation called The New Spirit, to compel Americans to accept the payment of income taxes.
Walt Disney Productions were successful during World War II due to their creative sense of animation, and compliance to help the government and military bring the country the courage and knowledge they needed to win the war. Disney films, such as the educational and propaganda films, had an extensive effect on society during the war. Propaganda films were used to set the moral of our nation, and impel Americans to fight for their country. In addition, the educational films informed the troops of important tasks they would be executing, how to do it, and their purpose for completing it. Walt Disney Productions not only provided entertainment, but they increased support for the war.
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I had no idea that Walt Disney's middle name was Elisa! It sounds girly. I also didn't know that his brother also founded Disney. It's weird how we never hear about him, but only Walter. I think it's cool that the movies that were made back then for enjoyment and entertainment are still watched today. They will always be classics and movies people will want to show their kids. I'm shocked Pinocchio and Fantasia didn't get as much popularity as they hoped. I didn’t know that Walt’s animations and ideas were used by the government as propaganda for the war.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved Disney and all of its movies and Tigger is my favorite character of all time. I enjoy that Disney used to help the navy and the government with instructional videos. Not only did Disney help the government by making the videos and also I like how they would make films to inspire people during the war. I like the fact the Disney had a major role in the war. Another thing I find very interesting is how Disney helped with a little advertising with Donald duck to buy war bonds. I also did not know that his brother is the one that founded the company and not Walt.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that Walt Disney films started back in the 1930s and is still going strong today. I had no idea that Snow White and the seven dwarfs was that old and was the top grossing film of the time. I am somewhat surprised that the war almost halted Walt Disney productions because the theaters were still the place to be. They were still a big hit with the movies they made during world war II. Plus I didn't know all of these Disney films were made back then and I am still watching them today. In my opinion, I believe that Disney movies are the most popular animated movies ever made.
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