How Did Hollywood Get Involved in the World War One Effort?

During World War One, Hollywood took the time out collectively to raise the consciousness of what war meant to the country at large.  When you think about World War One, history only touches on what actually happened and how World War One impacted the people. A look at Hollywood's involvement in World War I can help to provide a better understanding of what was going on in the country at this time.

It wasn’t until January 1916 that the Hollywood film community made an alliance with Washington, DC with the aim of raising awareness of the world war through film. 

Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States at that time and he met with a vast audience of 1000 people at the Motion Picture Board of Trade banquet.  While Wilson spoke in general, often vague, terms regarding the incorporation and overlapping of truth in film making, he managed to leave most of the key film makers and studio owners of the time with an idea of how Hollywood could get involved in the World War I effort.  Truth be told, however, most of the studio heads were immigrants of German descent, which caused a bit of tension in the media.

Still, Hollywood was able to get involved in the World War I effort by making films to educate the community.

Films Made About World War I

Many filmmakers at the time managed to pump out projects that literally mirrored the sentiments of the President.  Whatever he stressed in his speeches was what the central themes of the films also stressed to the public. 

For example, When Wilson discussed the importance of the United States remaining neutral in its stance, the Hollywood film community responded with a film entitled Be Neutral.  When he stressed the importance of being prepared, the film community released films that reflected that sentiment as well.

Movies Supporting the War

According to the World Socialist website, in 1916 when the President declared war on Germany, the film community supported his stance by releasing a string of movies.  Universal Studios actually created an arm of its production facility dedicated to releasing films that would reflect the sentiments of the President while simultaneously being a tool of education and empowerment to the American public.

The Universal Preparedness Productions was the arm that released several films that raised awareness of the war and patriotism within the country and were a clear example of how Hollywood got involved in World War I.

Films as Propaganda

There are some, however, that believe Hollywood got too involved in World War I and that Hollywood’s involvement in the World War One effort, grew from education to propaganda. Some argue that what started out to be a positive thing turned into an almost unstoppable machine. 

Censorship of Hollywood

In some cities and areas, problems began to arise with censorship. Wilson signed an Espionage Act in 1917 and films that expressed pro-German sentiment were banned in many areas.  As fear set in amidst the government, support for Hollywood films suffered.

Thus, although Hollywood did portray the war in a positive light in many cases and did encourage pro-war sentiment, there were dangers with Hollywood's involvement in World War I. These dangers illustrate the risks that can occur when the media becomes a machine for shaping political thought.