[November 15, 2023] A common theme of mine is that for propaganda to succeed, it must rely on strong leadership. Predictably, propaganda is associated with war since many of a nation’s strongest leaders are in their military services. Of course, it is not limited to wartime and often makes the most insidious contributions in peace.
“In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies.” – Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister during World War II
Winston Churchill’s central belief leading up to and during WWII was that England must do everything possible to survive. He did so because, in his thinking, England represented the flagship of free government in a universal struggle with totalitarianism. Survival of England meant that Europe would eventually throw off the yoke of Nazism and return to its peaceful self. Thus, propaganda to help rally the home front and motivate its citizens to stand united was a crucial goal. This can be seen as a positive aspect of propaganda.
On the flip side of democratic England was Nazi Germany. The Nazi government extensively used propaganda and for similar purposes. Germans were told that they were the savior of Europe and that their survival depended on defeating materialistic and hedonistic democracies and the chaos of Bolshevism. Any failure of National Socialism to achieve victory over them would mean anarchy in Europe and the destruction of the German people. For an extensive discussion on this topic, see Randall Bytwerk’s webpage (link here).
Propaganda serves to rally people behind a cause. This is what leaders do and is the epitome of a great leader, as discussed here on several occasions (see links here, here, and here). Leaders do this in war and peace, using selective stories, partial facts, chosen “experts,” and appealing to people’s fear. Several techniques are used to accomplish this goal, but centralized leadership is the key to its effectiveness.
England survived, and Nazi Germany was destroyed. While many variables led to the victory over the Axis powers during WWII, propaganda was certainly one of the more important reasons the Allies won. Next time, we’ll address propaganda use today.
Today’s world is in the middle of a struggle of ideological narratives supported by extensive propaganda efforts. Recently, we have seen an explosion of propaganda supporting “the Palestinian cause.” But will they succeed in convincing the West that Palestine deserves saving? That is an unanswered question that every national leader is watching closely. Let’s all hope that they fail, or like in Europe of the 1930s, we will see the spread of hate and evil that is not easily put back in its place.
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Excellent throwback article and the right time to bring it up with so many of our youth today succumbing to the insidiousness of propaganda.
Good point Linux Man and why, I believe, Gen. Satterfield wrote it.
Very interesting. They no longer teach about propaganda or its types in school today. That makes it much easier to fall under the spell of propaganda.
I’m new to this website by General Satterfield and love what i see.
Welcome aboard, Jammie!
Today we are in a fight against evil and our President Biden supports the evil.
The Biden Administration, thru it’s propaganda efforts to persuade Americans to support Ukraine in their war with Russia is doing a good job of it. They have said this is an existential war of democracy vs. dictatorship. Now, there is some truth to it, but at the same time, that war is bleeding America seriously and, in my opinion, dangerously as we run low on ammunition and stockpiles of certain types of equipment. I support Ukraine and hope the win over Russia but America needs to take a close look at our priorities and all Joe Biden is doing is giving mixed signals. Biden is a very poor leader, and worse than Jimmie Carter. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Excellent comment and how we are hearing that Joe Biden is giving IRAN another $10 Billion. What the hell is going on. They are the ones pushing Hamas and Hezbollah and other terror organizations. It is way past time to impeach Joe Biden. He is totally burnt out. See today’s DAILY FAVORITES.
Biden Unlocks Fresh Funds to Iran Totaling Billions
https://freebeacon.com/biden-administration/biden-unlocks-fresh-payments-to-iran-totaling-billions/
What’s up with that?
Joe Biden is no longer in charge, it’s his handlers and crazy nut job wife…Doktor Jill.
I read and recommend Randall Bytwerk’s webpage where he discusses the propaganda effort in WWII. http://research.calvin.edu/german-propaganda-archive/bolshevist.htm
I agree. I doesn’t take long to read it.
Excellent info from Gen. Satterfield !!!!!!!!
Today we call “propaganda” as “misinformation” or “lies.” That is not necessarily true. The truth can also be propaganda. Depends upon how it is used. Read Gen. Satterfield’s article “Who Will Win the Ukraine War?” at:
https://www.theleadermaker.com/who-will-win-the-ukraine-war/
He makes my point.
Important info here:
“Today’s world is in the middle of a struggle of ideological narratives supported by extensive propaganda efforts. Recently, we have seen an explosion of propaganda supporting “the Palestinian cause.” But will they succeed in convincing the West that Palestine deserves saving? That is an unanswered question that every national leader is watching closely. Let’s all hope that they fail, or like in Europe of the 1930s, we will see the spread of hate and evil that is not easily put back in its place.” — Gen. Doug Satterfield
Let’s not forget that today we have propaganda all over. Be careful what you read and hear. Gen. S. is helping us navigate the seas of disinformation.
Well said, Maximillian. Thanks. ✔✔✔✔
Yepper, he always nails it. 😎
Excellent article. Progranda is like a magician, use the art of disception to achieve their goal. How we counter this is to search for the truth or know the truth. The truth has been addressed longer than we can image. TRUTH, the king Pilate’s asked Jesus what is truth. Jesus was teaching him about believing Jesus is the son of God. Jesus says truth shall set you free. I challenge you don’t quickly believing the lies on TV from anyone or anything. The truth, the truth, nothing but the truth.
We are pretty much in synch with this idea. Now is the time to call out what is and what is not propaganda.
PROPAGANDA is information, ideas, opinions, or images, often only giving one part of an argument, that are broadcast, published, or in some other way spread with the intention of influencing people’s opinions.
I’d like to see more on this topic of propaganda but from the perspective of how Hamas is doing so well in the “information war.” Thanks Gen. Satterfield, if you can write about this. Just some thoughts for you to consider.
Let’s educate people and they will be less effected by it. Thanks Gen. Satterfield for your wonderful blog.
Beautiful….. and be sure to buy Gen. Satterfield’s books.
“Our Longest Year in Iraq”
“55 Rules for a Good Life”
Get them both. Get extra copies and give them out as Christmas Gifts.
❤ Love Gen. Satterfield and his ideas. ❤
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Support Israel
I agree with you Peigin.