Office of War Information

Office of War Information

The Office of War Information (OWI) was a United States government agency created during World War II to consolidate existing government information services and deliver propaganda both domestically and internationally. Established by Executive Order 9182 on June 13, 1942, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the OWI played a crucial role in shaping public perception and morale during the war.

The Office of War Information building in Washington D.C., circa 1943.

The Office of War Information building in Washington D.C., circa 1943.

Establishment and Objectives

The OWI was formed to centralize the dissemination of war-related information and to coordinate the various propaganda efforts that were previously handled by multiple agencies. The primary objectives of the OWI included:

• Disseminating accurate and timely information about the war effort.
• Countering enemy propaganda.
• Promoting patriotism and support for the war among the American public.
• Encouraging efficient use of resources and adherence to wartime regulations.

The agency was divided into several branches, each focusing on different aspects of information dissemination, including domestic operations, overseas operations, and radio broadcasting.

Domestic Operations

The Domestic Operations branch of the OWI was responsible for managing the flow of information within the United States. This included the production of posters, pamphlets, and films designed to boost morale and encourage public support for the war effort. The OWI also worked closely with Hollywood to produce films that aligned with its objectives, ensuring that the entertainment industry contributed to the war effort.

One of the most notable campaigns orchestrated by the OWI was the "Loose Lips Sink Ships" campaign, which aimed to prevent the inadvertent spread of sensitive information that could be used by enemy forces. The OWI also produced the "Why We Fight" series of films, directed by Frank Capra, which were used to educate both military personnel and the general public about the reasons behind the United States' involvement in the war.

Overseas Operations

The Overseas Operations branch of the OWI was tasked with managing propaganda efforts outside the United States. This included the production and distribution of leaflets, radio broadcasts, and other forms of media designed to influence foreign populations and undermine enemy morale. The OWI's overseas efforts were often coordinated with the OSS, the precursor to the CIA.

One of the key components of the OWI's overseas operations was the Voice of America (VOA) radio network, which broadcast news and information to occupied Europe and other regions. The VOA aimed to provide accurate news to counteract the propaganda disseminated by the Axis powers and to maintain the morale of resistance movements and occupied populations.

Radio Broadcasting

Radio was a critical medium for the OWI's propaganda efforts, both domestically and internationally. The agency produced a variety of radio programs that were broadcast on domestic networks as well as through the Voice of America. These programs included news bulletins, interviews, and entertainment shows that were designed to keep the public informed and engaged with the war effort.

The OWI also worked with private radio networks to ensure that their programming supported the agency's objectives. This collaboration included providing scripts and other materials to radio stations, as well as coordinating the broadcast of important speeches and announcements.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its successes, the OWI faced several challenges and controversies during its existence. One of the primary criticisms of the agency was that it sometimes blurred the line between information and propaganda, leading to concerns about government overreach and censorship. Some members of Congress and the press accused the OWI of promoting a biased view of the war and suppressing dissenting opinions.

Additionally, the OWI's relationship with other government agencies and the military was sometimes strained. There were instances of overlapping responsibilities and jurisdictional disputes, particularly with the War Department and the State Department. These conflicts occasionally hindered the OWI's ability to operate effectively.

Legacy

The Office of War Information was dissolved on September 15, 1945, shortly after the end of World War II. However, its impact on the field of government information and propaganda was significant. The OWI's efforts demonstrated the power of coordinated information campaigns in shaping public opinion and influencing the course of events.

Many of the techniques and strategies developed by the OWI were later adopted by other government agencies, including the USIA, which was established during the Cold War to manage America's information and propaganda efforts abroad.

The OWI's work also highlighted the importance of media and communication in modern warfare, setting the stage for the development of more sophisticated information operations in the years to come.

See Also

• OSS
• VOA
• USIA