WWI Propaganda Posters Each of the nations which participated in World War One from 1914-18 used propaganda posters not only as a means of justifying involvement to their own populace, but also as a means of procuring men, money and resources to sustain the military campaign. In countries such as Britain the use of propaganda posters was readily understandable: in 1914 she only possessed a professional army and did not have in place a policy of national service, as was standard in other major nations such as France and Germany.

Yet while the use of posters proved initially successful in Britain the numbers required for active service at the Front were such as to ultimately require the introduction of conscription.  Nevertheless recruitment posters remained in use for the duration of the war - as was indeed the case in most other countries including France, Germany and Italy. However wartime posters were not solely used to recruit men to the military cause.  Posters commonly urged wartime thrift, and were vocal in seeking funds from the general public via subscription to various war bond schemes (usually with great success). Interestingly, for all that the U.S.A. joined the war relatively late - April 1917 - she produced many more propaganda posters than any other single nation.

War-era posters: Inexpensive and efficient way to spread a message to a mass population. The message is intended to persuade people and get their support for a cause. Often the message contains facts but is twisted to support a specific attitude. Sometimes the message is completely false. Message appeals to emotions rather than logic.

England

England “Every German employed means a British worker idle. Every German article sold means a British article unsold. British Empire Union”

England

England

Ireland

Australia

France

Germany (For the war loan!)

Germany Zeppelin over Antwerp (city in Belgium)

“We’ll heat you up!” Germany

U.S.A.

U.S.A.

U.S.A.

U.S.A.

U.S.A.

U.S.A.

Your call to duty! As a war time artist or slogan writer, you must create a propaganda poster: Pick a theme: Military enlistment rationing food (Food Administration) patriotism bonds and loans Anti- German sentiment Draw in pencil first, then color, may also be created on the computer Most convincing poster wins a prize! Finally, this will count as a project grade (more points than a homework assignment= gotta do it!)