Youth Movements, Military Parades, and America’s Prewar Mood
About This Footage
Reel 3 of Prelude to War reveals how Germany, Italy, and Japan indoctrinated their youth, shaping a generation loyal to fascist ideology. Footage captures students singing praises of Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito, along with youth movements marching in lockstep across the Axis nations. In Germany, soldiers goose-step through the streets, while the faces of the German people reflect the fervor of the era. In contrast, the United States sought peace. Scenes from U.S. conferences and treaties limiting naval forces show American ships being scrapped to honor disarmament agreements. A 1939 Pathe News Poll reflects strong isolationist sentiment, with protesters picketing the White House against foreign entanglements. Newspaper headlines announce domestic progress, with the Social Security Act taking effect and wage laws passing. Meanwhile, young men participate in New Deal programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and an aerial view of an interstate cloverleaf represents America’s focus on infrastructure rather than war. This reel starkly contrasts Axis militarization with America’s attempt to remain uninvolved in global conflict.