Throughout history, militarization of the United States and its society has shaped and certainly distorted American politics, economics, foreign policy, culture, and social relations. During times of war, the general public, both men and women, were looked upon to uphold high moral principles and to be role models for younger generations to follow. Ideal men and women were almost propaganda in a sense. The United States government tried its best in molding the entire population to fit a certain "cookie cutter" shape. When the desired result was achieved, the government then displayed these people as "outstanding citizens", "perfect role models", and "true Americans". For prime examples of "brave, patriotic men and models of women who could serve the cause of the nation" (Prof. Bodnar) look no further then the era of World War I. Like much of the population at the time, Hollywood films were split between movies that portrayed war in a patriotic, positive light, such as Hearts of the World and those, which were strongly anti-war, such as All Quiet on the Western Front. Films, however, were not the only way the government presented its views to the public. Posters, poems, and songs were also used as different forms of propaganda. By doing so, the government once again worked to insure that the men and women of the United States of America were fully behind those being shipped over seas, those who were willing to die in order to protect their country and more importantly, their loved ones who lived in it. .
Militarization was both a crucial and fundamental change that occurred in the United States during the 20th century. Militarization represented abandonment from the prior belief that we (the United States) could live apart from the rest of the world. This idea emerged from the feelings of safety and security citizens received as a result of the country's adherence to a theory of isolationism.
