Prelude to War

Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capras Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Office of War Information OWI and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World WarII. The film was based on the idea that those in the service would be more willing and able fighters if they knew the background and reason for their participation in the war. It was later released to the general American public as a rallying cry for support of the war.

The purpose of the OWI was to use mass communication to sell the war and to define Americans perception of the reality of war therefore, they released Prelude to War to further these goals. The film commences with an explanation of how Americans were brought into the war through heroic motives to protect countries unable to protect themselves. America had this duty to righteousness and Christian values throughout history, according to the values and beliefs set forth by the founding fathers.The documentary makes use of compare and contrast methods throughout the film in order to transmit its heroic message. The primary images used within the film to portray the opponents of America are introduced by Henry Wallace as the free world a brightly illuminated planet of the Allies, and a slave world as a planet deep in shadow of the Axis Powers. ........

Source: Wikipedia