The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945

Studies of propaganda in Allied countries during World War II for the most part concern either printed matter or cinema, while animated films (cartoons) have been much less investigated in this regard. The present article is devoted to the representation and reflection of World War II in American ca...

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Main Authors: Y. A. Levin, S. O. Buranok
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. RANEPA 2024-04-01
Series:Шаги
Subjects:
Online Access:https://steps.ranepa.ru/jour/article/view/53
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author Y. A. Levin
S. O. Buranok
author_facet Y. A. Levin
S. O. Buranok
author_sort Y. A. Levin
collection DOAJ
description Studies of propaganda in Allied countries during World War II for the most part concern either printed matter or cinema, while animated films (cartoons) have been much less investigated in this regard. The present article is devoted to the representation and reflection of World War II in American cartoons in 1941– 1945 — an unusual and little-studied issue in Russian historiography. Specific examples and artistic features, as well as approaches to the use of cartoons as a means of propaganda, are considered. Within the framework of the article, samples of propaganda cartoons were analyzed, a certain typology of setting images and placing accents was derived, and conclusions were drawn about the importance of animation in the development of propaganda. Specific examples show the transformation of animation to suit military interests and the connection of the largest (and not only) film industry representatives with the state. Also, within the framework of the article, it was analyzed how the state interacted with animators and studios, along with how it itself was involved in the creation of propaganda and animation films. In particular, the history and activities of the “First Motion Picture Unit” and the first results of its work at the beginning of the war were considered. The case studies showed how American animation was modified in response to new needs and characteristics of the market, how existing characters were used for propaganda purposes and new works were created, as well as what stereotypes about America’s opponents were formed in cartoons. The article is based on literature and sources on the topic.
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spelling doaj-art-55eb4a9fd6544f2c845b7e0dffbdc5a32025-08-20T03:51:14ZengRussian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. RANEPAШаги2412-94102782-17652024-04-0110132434010.22394/2412-9410-2024-10-1-324-34052The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945Y. A. Levin0S. O. Buranok1Самарский государственный технический университетСамарский государственный социально-педагогический университетStudies of propaganda in Allied countries during World War II for the most part concern either printed matter or cinema, while animated films (cartoons) have been much less investigated in this regard. The present article is devoted to the representation and reflection of World War II in American cartoons in 1941– 1945 — an unusual and little-studied issue in Russian historiography. Specific examples and artistic features, as well as approaches to the use of cartoons as a means of propaganda, are considered. Within the framework of the article, samples of propaganda cartoons were analyzed, a certain typology of setting images and placing accents was derived, and conclusions were drawn about the importance of animation in the development of propaganda. Specific examples show the transformation of animation to suit military interests and the connection of the largest (and not only) film industry representatives with the state. Also, within the framework of the article, it was analyzed how the state interacted with animators and studios, along with how it itself was involved in the creation of propaganda and animation films. In particular, the history and activities of the “First Motion Picture Unit” and the first results of its work at the beginning of the war were considered. The case studies showed how American animation was modified in response to new needs and characteristics of the market, how existing characters were used for propaganda purposes and new works were created, as well as what stereotypes about America’s opponents were formed in cartoons. The article is based on literature and sources on the topic.https://steps.ranepa.ru/jour/article/view/53animationanimationpropagandausaworld war iidonald duckbugs bunny
spellingShingle Y. A. Levin
S. O. Buranok
The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945
Шаги
animation
animation
propaganda
usa
world war ii
donald duck
bugs bunny
title The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945
title_full The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945
title_fullStr The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945
title_full_unstemmed The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945
title_short The image of the war in American cartoons, 1941–1945
title_sort image of the war in american cartoons 1941 1945
topic animation
animation
propaganda
usa
world war ii
donald duck
bugs bunny
url https://steps.ranepa.ru/jour/article/view/53
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