Name ______Date ______Period ______
American WWII Propaganda Cartoons
“Blitz Wolf” – A cartoon produced in 1942 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Short Subject Cartoon. The plot is a parody of the Three Little Pigs, told from a WWII anti-German propaganda perspective. As you watch the cartoon, answer the following questions:
Who do the Three Little Pigs represent?
Who does the Wolf represent?
What does this cartoon say about America’s view of Germany and Hitler?
“You’re a Sap, Mr. Jap” - A 1942 one-reel animated cartoon short subject released by Paramount Pictures. It is one of the best-known World War II propaganda cartoons. The cartoon gets its title from a novelty song written by James Cavanaugh, John Redmond and Nat Simon.
As you watch the cartoon, answer the following questions:
Who does Popeye represent?
How are the Japanese portrayed?
What does this cartoon say about America’s view of Japan and its people?
Using complete sentences, answer the following questions about the use of animated cartoons for anti- war propaganda.
1. Is the use of animation and humor appropriate for depicting the serious nature of war? Use at least 2 specific examples to explain your opinion.
2. The U.S. has been fighting the War on Terror for over a decade. If such propaganda cartoons were made today featuring Iraqis, Afghans, or others targeted in the War on Terror, would they be accepted? Would they be considered offensive? Use at least 2 specific examples to explain your opinion.