Propaganda and
Sabotage
Sabotage is any act that ruins production or delivery of war fighting materials.
Germany had spies in the neutral United States
The Black Tom Explosion • Black Tom Island in New York
Harbor served as a munitions depot selling to the allies.
• Two Millions pounds of ammunition were set off by a bomb
• The explosion registered a 5.5 on the Richter scale and could be heard in several states
• The explosion caused damage to the statue of liberty, officials closed staircase in the arm and torch for safety reasons.
• The arm has never been reopened
German Atrocities
• Why would Germany Invade Belgium?
• The Germans feared “Francs-tireurs” or Free Shooters, civilians firing at troops using guerrilla tactics.
Germany Policy • Germany is extra-harsh and brutal to the
Belgians - About 6,000 Belgians were killed including women and children
- 20% of the population of Belgium fled the country
• Germany’s actions in Belgium give the Allies a source for Propaganda
• Propaganda is communication aimed to influence people’s opinions
Early propaganda from Australia
• The Allies encouraged the spreading of propaganda against Germany in the United States.
• Why?