ABSTRACT
The United States was a reluctant entrant in the First World War with American opinion divided on participation. The cinema played a crucial rôle during the war, first in the debate for and against intervention; later as a propaganda tool. Up until the end of 1916, prominent film makers attempted to persuade Americans to support President Wilson’s non-intervention policy and a number of influential films were released which kept the neutrality flame bright. However, as the war intensified, and as attacks on American civilians increased in number and in violence, the pressure for involvement grew until America declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917. By now film makers had generally abandoned neutrality and had been arguing for preparedness for war; after the declaration many hundreds of films were released, this time aimed-as chapter 1 outlined-at criticising pacifists, encouraging enlistment, exposing spies and attacking slackers. As in Europe, cinema seemed to have been conscripted for the war effort, a position almost made official when the Creel Committee on Public Information was established for propaganda.
