User:Uynguyen912/sandbox

What Are Some of The Issues?
In the wiki article “ Role of Music in World War II”, this article is rated as Start-Class on the quality scale, which means it is developing but not quite complete. As we all know music plays a big role in today’s society, it helps people get through difficult times, celebrate occasions, and music is more accessible than ever before. The case in our wiki page today, we are trying to fill in some of the missing pieces of the role of music during world war II. One of them is the fact that not all music included in this page are world war II related or play an important role in it, and sometime during world war II, music has been utilized more than just a relief for soldiers during the gory wartime, but also as propaganda to strengthen an idea or political party, and sometime to rally people against their enemies. All of which could be traced back to current events that are happening right now.

Vagueness in the details

As we read the wiki page, we can see that some of the information provided by other users are sometime too vague and not enough details to support the case here, because many songs have been release during this time, some could not necessary have a war theme, and some people might still somehow try and relate the song to be world war II theme. Per example, the song I'll Walk Alone written by Jule Styne has lyrics about the theme of separation, this was popular during this time because many young men had to leave their home and fight in foreign countries. But this logic also apply to people who are in long distance relationship, so the fact that this lyrics are very vague about this feeling and not specifically about war time. Proven that this song does not play an important role in world war II and thus does not support the wiki article purpose.

More feelings than just sad

Another focus will be the usage of American music during WW2 as it does not clearly mention what Americans did when sent off during war. We would like to add more information as to how the soldiers felt during the fighting overseas and how it helped them individually/mentally. We will be focusing more about how the soldiers felt and what led them to keep on fighting and believing in themselves and people around them since it was difficult to even be there fighting. For example, music in America had helped unify people and soldiers into one because music was a way to boost a soldiers mentally and wellness, it even allowed the people at home to make an effort to help the soldiers abroad. (Wolff) An example where music helped soldiers in the front lines will be David Brubeck who would play for soldiers returning home from the front. As stated from the author Christine Miller she mentions, “Brubeck often played in harsh conditions and often was located very near the front. At one point, he was even found ahead of the front and narrowly escaped with his life.” (Miller, Christine) this goes to proof that even if there was fighting going on David Brubeck will help soldiers to feel at ease

The Rise of Music

Music during WW2(1939-1945) was very important because it gave people and the soldier's hope and determination during this difficult time period. Music also brought the people and nation together because it was something they all used as an escape and distraction. The most popular music genres during this time were swing, blues, and jazz because it contained high spirits and was considered "happy" music. Glen Miller entered the military in 1942 and was placed in the Army Air Force. However, before joining the army he was a musician and eventually took that talent with him too. He played the trombone and during this time period, he was allowed to form his own military marching band. This gave many soldiers a light during this dark time period and rose hope and entertainment. Miller, like many others, is known and remembered for creating music and forming a marching band during the second war of the century. Another type of music genre that many soldiers who left their wives and families behind listened to was romantic music. Songs such as "We'll Meet Again" written by Rosa Parker were listened and important for both partners because it helped them believe that they would reunite again. Music became even more popular after 1941 due to the fact that more people owned radios during this time which allowed music to be spread and heard in an even better and more easier way. The radio was also helpful because it allowed for news and information to be spread and keep the people updated on what was going on during the war.

The Power of Music

Music is a tool that has the ability to connect people with its message. It is a tool that has an impact on our emotions as well as our mindset as well. But, because of it's beneficial and harmful potential, politicians have used this to their advantage. They have used music to bring their followers together and make them accept whatever their ideology is whether they choose to or not. They have used this tool to manipulate our minds into thinking that the message that politicians use is something that people should get behind. The tactic is that the music would make ourselves convince us and that the music would impact our mindset and could convince us of something. Hitler was someone that used this tactic, he would use music as propaganda and be able to “brainwash” people into believing in his ideology. He would select certain musicians and use certain music to help showcase and persuade his audience. He would use opera as a way to showcase his power. Some of the songs that he would use would be Horst Wessel Lied, SS Marcherist in Feindesland, and other songs. But, not just the Nazi party had used this tool. The Americans and the Allied forces would use music as a way to motivate their soldiers into fighting the battles as well as boosting their patriotism. The music that they would use would be to protest whatever wronging that the Nazi party was doing. This would make the army on both sides of the war, strengthen their belief and fight for whatever they think is right. Music helped to bring people together for whatever reason, even the reason was not morally correct. World War II helped to serve as a catalyst for future historical events that would connect the world of politics and music together.

Americans and World War II
The Radio 

The introduction of the radio a device which was used as a form of entertainment and could easily spread information to citizens across the United States. Not only did the radio help the United States but it also was a form in which The U.S and allies could communicate with each other during the war against the Axis powers. The radio’s itself was bought by many and over ninety percent of the population obtained one.

Music and Soldiers 

As the war seemed to go on Soldiers would then deploy to Europe to fight the axis powers, when the soldiers felt uneasy, uncertain, or felt discouraged at times, music was a popular way to help boost a soldier’s morale. Christine Miller the author of the article “Playing a Role in the War: Music in World War II” mentioned a soldier by the name Howard Sarty who wrote a series of letters and mentioned how music helped him through difficult times during the war. There was even a song that reminded the soldier of his wife which was “Ten days with Baby” The soldier then goes to say “How’s my beautiful little wife tonight? Gee, I miss you more and more every day and about that song ‘Ten days with baby,’ I wish I could spend ten million days with Baby.” This shows how truly impactful music had on soldiers and how specific songs could help them fight on.

Another example of how music affected soldiers was from David Brubeck. Brubeck mentions that a Colonel who heard him play told him to form a band to where soldiers that were fighting could return from the front and listen to the band Brubeck made. The band was called the Wolf Pack Band, he and the band will play in areas that weren’t as safe. Even though soldiers were fighting, music was an important role when those soldiers came back because it would allow them to feel at ease due to the conditions they were fighting in.

Music and People

Just how music affected soldiers on the front lines, it also indeed helped people at home as well. As the war progressed many Americans at home listened to more patriotic music in which helped them become unified as one. Many started to gather together to listen to tunes about the war it would help people's spirit to be positive rather than negative. More and more people started to demonstrate their usefulness by fully supporting all aspects of war.