What role did the Creel Committee assume during World War I?

The Creel Committee, officially known as the Committee on Public Information (CPI), was established during World War I to promote the American war effort. Its primary role was to disseminate propaganda that would encourage public support for the war, influence public opinion, and mobilize the nation towards a cohesive effort in favor of the military campaigns.

The committee utilized various forms of media, including pamphlets, posters, films, and speeches, to effectively communicate messages that framed the war in terms of noble ideals and national duty. By doing so, it aimed to cultivate a sense of patriotism and urgency among American citizens, encouraging them to contribute through enlistment and war-related activities.

This approach was pivotal in shaping how the public perceived the war and ensuring that support for the military was sustained throughout its course. The Creel Committee is often cited as an essential study in public relations and propaganda, illustrating the power of communication in mobilizing a population for a national cause.