Final answer:
Pathé Frères, known as Pathé, is the company credited for popularizing the newsreel in America in 1911. Newsreels gained immense importance during the Great Depression and World War II, serving as both a news medium and a form of entertainment for the American public.
Step-by-step explanation:
The company generally credited for popularizing the newsreel in America in 1911 is Pathé Frères, otherwise known as Pathé. This French film production and distribution company was founded in 1896 by the Pathé brothers. Having established a strong presence in Europe, Pathé ventured into the American film market with great success. By providing audiences with short films showing current events, Pathé brought newsreels into mainstream cinema.
During the Great Depression and World War II, newsreels became an essential medium for American audiences to receive news and stay informed about international developments. In the 1930s, these short films informed the public of happenings around the globe and gained even more significance during the war years as Americans were eager to learn about their troops' engagements overseas. Shown before feature films in movie theaters, newsreels played an integral role in not only delivering news but also providing a means of entertainment and distraction from the daily hardships.