Era of the Great War Great War propaganda

Propaganda in the Great War In today’s class I am learning to: Describe different types of propaganda used during the Great War Explain what were the aims of this propaganda

Propaganda in the Great War During the Great War huge amounts of propaganda was used by the government to encourage people to take actions which would help Britain win.

Propaganda in the Great War The government used a variety of methods to try and influence people to engage in various different activities. One common sight across Britain became war posters, whether on billboards, lampposts or other locations.

Propaganda in the Great War A lot of written material was also issued by the government and other relevant groups. This included leaflets, books or copies of speeches. Sometimes these were sent to other countries, to try and get their support.

Propaganda in the Great War The government used newspapers to spread their message. Under the Defence of the Realm Act, British newspapers could be censored. The government also spread helpful information to other countries.

Propaganda in the Great War Football was also used for recruitment propaganda. Recruitment events were held at football games, sometimes with announcements on the pitch. Footballers also signed up, with fans encouraged to join them.

Propaganda in the Great War There were other methods used to influence people too. Pro-British films were made and shown in cinemas. Even paintings were used to try and win public support for the war, ensuring a steady supply of soldiers.

Propaganda in the Great War Aims of propaganda

Propaganda in the Great War Government propaganda was focused towards different issues, such as: Recruiting soldiers Women Food Increase patriotism Hatred for the enemy

Propaganda in the Great War Before conscription was introduced in 1916, the government needed British men to volunteer to fight. Various posters were produced which encouraged men to sign up for military service, especially in the army.

Propaganda in the Great War Recruitment adverts tried to appeal to men’s sense of patriotism. Others tried to embarrass men into fighting, such as asking what they would say after the war was over, or saying women would not want to marry them.

Propaganda in the Great War Women were also targeted by government propaganda. This was often to encourage them to take an active part in the war effort, such as working in a munitions factory, or going abroad to become a nurse or mechanic.

Propaganda in the Great War Propaganda also tried to encourage women to get more men to sign up to join the fight. Women were told to say that they would not be marry a man that was not prepared to fight, and mothers should send their sons.

Propaganda in the Great War Ensuring a good food supply was also a key part of propaganda. Campaigns tried to encourage people to not waste food, or to grow their own. Other information told people ways to cook that would conserve food.

Propaganda in the Great War Government information also tried to create a sense of patriotism, ensuring national support for the war. Images portrayed Britain as a world leader, capable of defending freedom all across the globe.

Propaganda in the Great War Propaganda also aimed to build hatred of the enemy. Information campaigns focused on German atrocities, such as sinking the passenger ship Lusitania or killing the British nurse, Edith Cavell.