The Role of Music during World War II

Before the big evolution of rock and roll, the United States was heavily involved in World War II. In this

Music during World War II had an impact on America, both on the home front and on troops serving overseas. First off, WW2 encouraged a wide variety of patriotic songs and love songs that focused on separation (with the possibility of the man dying while away fighting). According to an article posted GilderLehrman.com written by Elihu Rose, war inspired patriotic songs such as ““The House I Live In (That’s America to Me),” “There’s a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere,” “American Patrol,” and “This Is Worth Fighting For” (The Glider Lehrman Institute of American History, “The Forties and the Music of World War II”). Because almost every house in America had some way of listening to music, the mass distribution of music had a patriotic effect

Another thing was the music of the 1940s, the 1940s was the decade of “the crooner” as the other form of entertainment the musical entertainment also played tribute to the war by many popular songs like “God Bless America”. This songs were sometimes were taken to war and it made solders said that the music took them home and they loved it.

Francis Poulenc was born Jan. 7, 1899 in Paris. France. Poulenc, a composer who made an important contribution to French music in the decades after World War I, remains one of the best composers of the 20th century. Throughout his career Poulenc composed orchestral, chamber music, ballets, concertos, film scores, and opera, as well as powerful choral and sacred music, but only three works for piano and woodwinds.

Historical events and conditions in the 1940s affected music. Several events happened in the 1940s. Music was a popular topic in the 1940s. Music was affected by umpteen things in the 1940s. There are plenty of other popular topics in the

African American influence in music has been an ever present and controversial subject in American history. Stemming from many different cultures, religions and backgrounds, large portions of American music was introduced by, and credited to African Americans. Although in many cases, this music was used for entertainment by the masses or majority, contrary to popular belief, black music served a greater purpose than just recreation. Dating all the way back to the beginning of slavery in the U.S. during the 17th century, music has been used to make a statement and send a message. As African American music progressed over the years, there were common themes expressed as the genres evolved. It has been an open letter to the world, documenting and protesting the ongoing oppression faced by blacks in the United States, as well as an outlet for frustration. For many African Americans, the music gave them the only voice that couldn’t be silenced by their oppressors.

General Lee once remarked, “Without music, there would have been no army” (Kehoe). The New York Herald concurred with Lee in 1862 when a reporter wrote, “All history proves that music is as indispensable to warfare as money; and money has been called the sinews of war. Music is the soul of Mars...” (Bowman). It is evident from these quotes the important role music played in helping soldiers from both armies cope during the war. The Civil War would have been immensely different without the considerable influence that music had on both the Union and Confederate armies. Music played a significant role in motivating soldiers to overcome their hardships in both the Union and the Confederate armies by entertaining and comforting, bringing back memories of home and family, and strengthening the bonds between comrades and helping forge new bonds.

During times of harsh government rulings or unfair taxes and laws, people used their artistic abilities to start uprisings. Examples include, poetry, dramas, paintings/drawings, and especially music to get the attention of the oblivious citizens during the Revolutionary War. Music transitioned from calm, peaceful melodies to thundering tunes that carried battle cries and rallied for the start of a rebellion. As times changed and revolutions turned into wars, the music took a turn as well. It slowed it to a depressing beat that outpoured dreary lyrics, casting a melancholy mood on anyone who merely thought about the gory conflicts. Yet, when the turmoil finally came to an end, the villagers were overjoyed and celebrated with music and dancing.

Throughout the history of the United States, war and political actions have played as several influences for practices. One practice that has a massive connection with war and politics is music. It has the capability to express protest themes such as anti-war or anti-establishment. Music can also set the mood for the entire environment, such as a depressed scene creates slow, or somber-toned music. Or if the setting is rebellious and ecstatic, musicians will want to create fast-paced dancing music. In this essay, I argue that American music plays a drastic part in war and political applications and in the history of the United States, the Prohibition Era, World War II and the Vietnam War have significant evidence to prove this ideology.

World War II affected American Society in so many different ways. Wartime posters and the victory in Europe caused a huge sense of patriotism in many Americans. Women were forced to begin work and became spenders. Minorities were beginning to be integrated into sports, music, and movies; and Civil rights issues for women and minorities started becoming more and more important throughout society as well. World War II’s extensive scientific research lead to many new technological advances. New inventions, new products, new understandings of life. There were also new forms of music and art that started becoming popular during the time of the Second World War such as Jazz, Blues, Western Swing, American Urban Art, and Abstract Expressionism.

The influence of musical propaganda on the public during World War II is rather unrecognized, which is mostly characterized by the problematic notion that music can be apolitical. However, that theory can be deemed untrue after the silent force was acknowledged in colonies, fascist regimes and other forms of government. Music was one of the most prominent ways that people were both manipulated and inspired in these dark times, therefore establishing the nature of different people’s identities. A leading instance in which this concept was demonstrated was during the expansion of taarab music in Eastern Africa and its relation to the colonies’ prospective nationalism. The catalyst for the sudden rise in this musical style was president of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s statement emphasizing the importance

Throughout time, music has been an influential part of society. As a form of entertainment and expression, its impact has always been felt both economically and emotionally. During the Vietnam war, music evolved into more a form of expression rather than pure entertainment. Emotionally charged songs became a method to oppose the war, and vent frustrations. While many songs opposed the war, numerous others focused on peace and happiness. They provided a positive perspective in an otherwise depressing time. Along with incorporating passion into music, cultural diversity increased in music greatly. Black artists became progressively more popular and accepted in the musical scene. This respect

Before hearing this lecture, I had no concept of the types of music in concentration camps, much less a sense of the music within World War II. The lecture taught me how music and the arts are something that can’t ever be stopped. Even though it’s not mandatory for human life or a lucrative career it has permanently etched a place inside of culture and the continuation of history.

The major war of World WarⅡhad a bigger impact on the music that surrounds us more than most realize. The war caused many gradual changes such as, the change into musical groups instead of Big Bands, musician royalty payment, and the limit to materials used in musical instruments. Between 1941 and 1951 bands have became smaller because of expenses and obstacles from the war. During the musicians protest there was the want for royalty payment for albums and artists. Lastly, the war caused a limit in the materials used to make musical instruments.

Music of Military Bands and its Effect on War: Military bands used throughout Americans revolutionary timeline to soldiers courage and pep to win waged wars. European countries using the bands for the same reason, to storm fronts with music to help them wage and win war.