Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World War II. This film examines the differences between democratic and fascist states.
This documentary, the first in the "Why We Fight" series, was produced by the U.S. War Department during World War II. It aims to explain to American soldiers and the public the reasons for the United States' involvement in the war. The film outlines the rise of Axis powers, their aggressions leading up to the war, and the moral imperative for the Allied forces to resist. It uses captured enemy footage and American newsreels to build its case.
As a propaganda film produced during wartime, 'Prelude to War' was immensely successful in its intended purpose of rallying public support and informing soldiers. While its historical objectivity can be debated due to its explicit aim to persuade, its filmmaking and directness were widely acknowledged. It was seen as a crucial tool in articulating the Allied cause and received critical acclaim for its effectiveness and impact.
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Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
The "Why We Fight" series was Frank Capra's contribution to the war effort, conceived after he saw that many American soldiers were unclear about why they were fighting.
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