This week's discussion of historical brings us to the man who created some of the most iconic cartoons in the world. That is of course, Walt Disney. i don't think there is anyone who has not owe a great deal of their childhood of to this man. Heck, my nephew's crib is full of Winnie the pooh and he's only 6 months old. Disney's has a special place in everyone's heart for the things he did with the moving cartoon. that is why when the war times of World War 2 happened, Disney used those same Disney Characters that drive across sense of patriotism to the people of America. I have to admit that when i first came across these cartoons, I was a little bit put off, but i took it for what is was: EDUCATION. like many of the cartoonist of this particular time, they wanted to have their voice be heard about a very crucial time in history. just like the previous blog, some of these clips are banned from most television scheduling rotations and may contain some images and language that can be considered offensive.
in 1942, one of the first of these Disney cartoons was "Der Fuehrer's Face" was released to the general public. it features Donald Duck as an officer of the Nazi officer. He is assigned to make auxiliary shells for the Third Reich. The cartoon depicts the world in which Donald inhabited as a crazy, chaotic, and dismal work environment. as he works and works to please "Der Fuehrer" poor Donald goes into a work induced stress frenzy. by the end of the cartoon, we find out that the whole ordeal as a dream and Donald Duck wakes up as a proud American citizen. The cartoon is based on a song written by Musician Spike Jones with the same name. in the same year, another Disney wartime cartoon was created. "Donald Gets Drafted"
,like the title suggests, is about Donald Duck getting drafted into the U.S. Army and his antics while going through Basic training.
with the war efforts increasing for the American, this 1943 Disney cartoon "The Spirit of '43" showed their audience the importance of paying your U.S. Taxes. Donald is torn between spending his money on a night on the town or putting it aside to buy savings bonds and pay taxes. i believe that this cartoon can somewhat serve as a public service announcement.
and in 1944, one of the last cartoons that Disney make for the war effort is one called "Commando Duck" . he is parachuted into enemy territory and wipe out an entire Japanese militia.
these cartoons definitely made an impression on the american population. most of these shorts won Oscars for Best Animated film. Other Disney characters that were used to get the word out about the War included Mickey Mouse, Bambi, Pluto, and the rest of the Disney gang. everyone did their parts with the fight against the Axis even the cartoons.
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