What was the purpose of Frank Capra’s Why We Fight documentary series?

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Frank Capra (From left) Unidentified, Gary Cooper, and Frank Capra on the set of *Mr. Deeds Goes to Town*.

Frank Capra’s Why We Fight documentary series was created during his service as a major in the U.S. Army Signal Corps between 1942 and 1945.1

The primary purpose of the seven-part series was to increase American support for the war effort during World War II. These films were designed to explain the war to both military personnel and civilians by providing context and justification for the nation's involvement in the conflict. The series utilized a compilation approach, consisting largely of edited newsreel footage alongside scenes from Hollywood and foreign war movies.12