Propaganda

Propaganda, selected information, whether true or false, designed to persuade people to adopt a particular belief, attitude, or course of action. During the 20th century all the major political ideologies have employed propaganda and made use of modern media to reach a mass audience. It plays an important role in modern warfare, and during World War II separate offices and ministries were established to promote morale and subvert the enemy. The Nazi Ministry of Propaganda, headed by Joseph Goebbels, was one of the most active. In the business world, professional propagandists—communicators in public relations and advertising—are increasingly in demand.