Propaganda and the Vietnam War

“The first casualty when war comes is Truth.”

U.S. Senator Hiram Johnson, 1917

Contents

1. What is propaganda? A short explanation

2. Why does propaganda work?

3. The American Media during the Vietnam War

4. Bibliography and internet sources

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• What is propaganda? – A short explanation
• Why does propaganda work?
• The American Media during the Vietnam War
• Bibliography and internet sources

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This seminar paper examines the role of propaganda in the Vietnam War. It explores how propaganda was used to rally support for the war effort, and the techniques employed by the American government and media to shape public opinion. The paper also delves into the effectiveness of propaganda and how it influenced public perception of the war.

• The nature and tactics of propaganda
• The influence of propaganda on public opinion
• The role of the media in disseminating propaganda
• The impact of propaganda on the course of the Vietnam War

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: What is propaganda? – A short explanation: This chapter defines propaganda and explores its various tactics. It highlights the use of selective stories, demonization of the enemy, and the creation of a "Manichean" narrative, where one side is portrayed as good and the other as evil. The chapter also discusses the role of "experts" and the manipulation of information through suppression and attack strategies.
• Chapter 2: Why does propaganda work?: This chapter examines the effectiveness of propaganda, focusing on the psychology of fear and the manipulation of public opinion. It discusses the role of the media in promoting propaganda and the use of public relations firms to influence public perception. The chapter also explores the notion of "narrowing the range of debate" and how it can limit critical thinking.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This seminar paper focuses on the use of propaganda in the Vietnam War, with key concepts including: propaganda tactics, media manipulation, public opinion, public relations, Vietnam War, American media, and the role of experts.

Details

• College: University of Wuppertal
• Course: Trauma and Vietnam war
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Nicole Hahn (Author)
• Publication Year: 2005
• Pages: 9
• Catalog Number: V61349
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638548236
• ISBN (Book): 9783656816287
• Language: English
• Tags: Propaganda Vietnam Trauma Vietnam