For Discussion: Why we Fight
January 25, 2008 by bshelnutt
This video was clearly made for propoganda purposes as the title of the series “Why we Fight”, clearly implies. Discuss the imagery that struck you in the film. I am looking for concrete examples. Why do you think the film maker chose to use these images?
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The imagery that struck me the most were the repeated films of Hitler that showed him walking around a city. The way the filmmaker showed it, Hitler seemed to be walking in front of the entire German Army through France. After this, you see Hitler looking through binoculars to England as if he will actually lead his whole army over there in person. Another image that struck me was the one of the Nazi whale and England as Jonah. Along with the multiple comments about how England barely had any army or machines, the British were portrayed as virtually helpless against the Nazis. I think that the filmmaker used these images to further inspire and persuade Americans to join the war against the Nazis, using the success of a helpless British people as an example.
A very good film. The imagery that struck me the most was of the destruction that was “seemingly” brought on by the German forces. A prime example of this is the pictures of Dunkirk; buildings were destroyed and the town was deserted. This example really backs up the title of the film, “Why we Fight”, which was in fact an American propaganda production. The film maker was effective in getting the anti-German feeling across to the American population by showing all of the havoc that was brought on by the Germans. It was notable that while the film was denouncing the German cause, it was making the English look war weary, but still strong enough to hold off an invasion from a major power. The movie depicted Great Britain as the weak “underdog”; nevertheless coming out on top.
The most interesting imagery used in this film was the depiction of the German forces in black on the map (with an added swastika for dramatic effect) during the description of their conquest of Europe. The various territories were swallowed by the black mass of Nazi Germany and produced fire and smoke as another dramatic effect. Also, the part of the film where the United States was shown as being sandwiched between the Germans and Japanese after their European and Asian conquests would be enough to make any American or Ally squirm at the thought of such a scenario. These examples show that the film maker knew how to drive an opinion with simple techniques that would be eagerly taken to heart by nervous and weary Americans and British. It would be interesting to see a propaganda film like this one made about the War on Terror.
Some of the images I found most shocking about this short film were the attack plans. I had never really seen this plan of an attack on England. The resemblance to the Allied attack of Normandy was tremendous. Luckily for Allied powers, the Germans were unable to gain control of the skies. This gave Britain the cover it needed, but also the confidence to win the war. The filmmaker chose these images to raise awareness of the American people. To show the immanent threat of a German nation gaining power and confidence as it bombarded Europe. The Americans wanted to be isolationists, but these images shown by a single film, portray that in this war, there is no room for isolation. If the Germans had broken the English Coast, it would have not only been a straight shot to London, but a free coast to America. The threat of being attacked scared the Americans, and when they were finally attacked, the war really began for the American people.
This film was a very good example of propaganda and it provided many concrete imagery that stuck to the point. The imagery that grabbed my attention the most was when it showed Hitler walking around France as if it was no big deal for him. It was like he owned the city and he appeared to be extremily confident in his actions. Hitlers march around the city was a wake up call to everybody watching the film that this is what is going to happen to you if you don’t join the war and fight for your country. Also, when Hitler is looking at England from the coast, you can obviouslt asssume that he is planning on doing the same thing that he did to France to Britain. The best imagery in the film was when they were showing Hitler’s plan to overtake the world and how he was going to do it. You were able to see exactly how easily he could have done it if the British weren’t able to stop him. Also, the representation of Nazi germany being a whale that is swallowing Great Britain which is prtrayed as Jonah is great symbolism of the contrasting powers between the two countries.
This video showed the strength of the German army and the cunning in their plan of invasion. It shows how easily Hitler took control of Europe, and how easy it would be for him to take Britain since they were without many of the necessary weapons. The clips of the German soldiers showed their discipline and strength, while the English were scattered and tired from the failed attack at Dunkirk. But even thought the British were not prepared to defend their country against an invasion, they still pulled through which shows the strength of the Allies. It was most likely shown to boost morale and inspire the Americans to fight
While I watched the movie, I noticed that the film kept referring to Napoleon of France. Napoleon was a great war leader, and Hitler’s quote saying he would succeed where Napoleon failed, encouraged hope to Germans and those who were enlisting in Hitler’s army. Also, throughout the film, continous photos of maps occurred, showing routes and plans for dominating other countries. These made things look simple and quick, and referring to the quote from the film “That’s all there was to it,” shows the propoganda trying to influence the people’s thoughts about winning the war with ease. In addition to the map, many pictures of scenery and singing, smiling soldiers appeared. No horryifying photos of how the war affected people’s lives and home showed up. Most propoganda films do this to the audience. That is, making everything seem simple, and not a very big deal. The video allows the public keep to keep their eye on the prize: World Domination.