Walt Disney Had A Role In WWI That Few People Know About
As the U.S. was drawn into the catastrophe of World War I, a kid by the name of Walt Disney wanted to help. At only 16, Disney was too young to join his brothers in the armed forces. Instead, he had to get creative in order to do his bit. But, ever the innovator, he figured something out — and the experience ended up changing his life.
More to the man
You may have thought you knew all about Disney and his legacy. There’s the company bearing his name, of course, which still rakes in billions. His theme parks remain at the top of kids’ vacation wishlists, too. Still, there was much more to the man than his cartoons and his business empire.
A patriot
You see, Disney was alive during an especially consequential period of human history. It just so happens that he was part of a generation that experienced not one world war, but two. And as a patriotic fellow, he wanted to help out in both those conflicts in whatever ways he could.
Subtle support
Given that Disney was just a teenager when the U.S. entered WWI, he hadn’t yet become the famous animator we all recognize. He was still years away from making his name and earning the power and status he would wield in support of the Allies in WWII. His ability to help his country was more subtle and limited than it was in the ’40s. Even so, he went above and beyond to do his part.
Pumping out cartoons
While WWII was raging, however, Disney got to work the best way he knew how. He and his company famously pumped out propaganda-filled cartoons in aid of the Allied forces. You may have seen a few of those movies. Perhaps the ones that feature Donald Duck?
