This website was created as an entry into the 2001 Thinkquest Internet Challenge, its primary purpose being to introduce middle and high-school students and their teachers to the concepts and applications of propaganda in one of the most real, grave scenarios: war.
Specifically,
it uses actual examples from two wars where propaganda played a significant
part: The Spanish-American War (believed to have been started due to the
influence of propaganda) and World War Two (where the propaganda used
by both the Nazis and the Americans was used to change the mindset of
the entire population). Our website can also be used by anyone who is
interested in propaganda as an often-overlooked weapon used in warfare.
- This website was created by three students entering high school with guidance from their coach, a middle school administrator.
Bryce, 14, researched the Spanish-American War. He wrote essays about the War and propaganda’s role in it, as well as biographical sketches of the men who may have instigated it.
Tim, 14, covered our World War II section and provided in-depth
analyses of propaganda techniques as applied in wartime. Tim also helped
in gathering citations and essay creation.
Zach, 14, designed and built the website you are currently
viewing and coordinated the efforts of all members involved. He also wrote
the biographical sketch of Dr. Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Propaganda Minister.
Michael, 33, is the Associate Principal of Elm Place Middle
School in Highland Park, Illinois. He facilitated the creation of the
site by providing resources, helping the members with time-management,
and provided insight into the subject matter based on his background as
a history teacher.
All of the members contributed to the planning and conceptual development
of the site. They edited and modified certain aspects of each other’s
work over the long months that went into the development of Wartime Propaganda.
