Creel Committee (apr 13, 1917 – aug 21, 1919)

Description:

During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson established the Creel Committee under the leadership of journalist George Creel. Creel’s group, composed of the nation’s leading journalists, scholars, and public relations leaders, mounted an impressive effort to mobilize public opinion in support of the war effort and to stimulate the sale of war bonds through Liberty Loan publicity drives. According to a young member of the Creel Committee, Edward L. Bernays (later considered by many to be another “father of public relations”), “This was the first time in U.S. history that information was used as a weapon of wars.” Not only did the war effort get a boost, but so did the field of public relations. The nation was mightily impressed with the potential power of publicity as a weapon to encourage national sentiment and support.

Added to timeline:

Date: