What is Censorship and Propaganda? How is this significant to WWII in Australia?
Censorship is the control and sometimes, suppression of information and ideas which circulate within a society. It can be employed for moral, religious, political or military reasons. Propaganda is "the manipulation of public opinion", through media (posters, radio programs, film reels). It is designed especially to appeal to the emotions of the public and thereby, influencing their opinions. Censorship sometimes involved propaganda. Both policies were used by the Australian government in copious amounts during the Second World War.
Australian Government used Censorship and Propaganda during WWII. What were their reasons? Was it Right or Wrong?
During the second world war period (1939-1945), the Australian Government conducted a controversial policy of censorship. The major reasons for censorship in WWII, were to:
The government used censorship to control newspapers. Often, information about the war was presented in a positive light by deliberately dismissing the countless injuries and deaths of soldiers. Instead, they praised the great courage and heroism of the soldiers and rescuers of war happily doing their duty.
- Prevent Australia's situation and important wartime strategies becoming known to their enemies.
- Maintain public morale and promote enthusiasm on the home front.
- Shield Australians from bad news.
The government used censorship to control newspapers. Often, information about the war was presented in a positive light by deliberately dismissing the countless injuries and deaths of soldiers. Instead, they praised the great courage and heroism of the soldiers and rescuers of war happily doing their duty.