Propaganda in WWI

What is Propaganda? Propaganda is a specific type of message presentation aimed at serving an agenda. At its root, the denotation of propaganda is 'to propagate (actively spread) a philosophy or point of view'. The most common use of the term (historically) is in political contexts; in particular to refer to certain efforts sponsored by governments or political groups.

Why Posters??? Television had not yet been invented Not everyone owned or had access to a radio Posters were and easy and effective way to get a message across

The Role of Governments Governments of all countries involved in the war used propaganda. Propaganda often used positive emotions (pride / joy) to get people to support the war, and negative emotions (anger) to make people hate the enemy. During the War, governments needed money for the war effort so many of their propaganda posters tried to raise money from citizens to help pay for the war

Examples of Propaganda

What is the Message of this Propaganda poster? Who do you think made it?

GOALS OF PROPAGANDA POSTERS Recruitment of soldiers: posters try to get men to join the army and fight for their country. Conservation of goods: These posters encouraged people at home to conserve goods (e.g. save food) so that they could be used by soldiers in the war. Purchasing of war bonds: These posters asked citizens to purchase war bonds, which would help the government fund the war. Support for the war at home: These posters encouraged people not in the army to become involved in the war at home by joining organizations or working in industries related to the war effort.

EXAMPLES OF BRITISH PROPAGANDA

EXAMPLES OF CANADIAN PROPAGANDA

EXAMPLES OF AMERICAN PROPAGANDA

EXAMPLES OF GERMAN PROPAGANDA

EXAMPLES OF FRENCH PROPAGANDA

EXAMPLE OF BELGIAN PROPAGANDA

EXAMPLES OF AUSTRALIAN PROPAGANDA

EXAMPLES OF ITALIAN PROPAGANDA

RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA

Seven Tricks of Propaganda:

1). Name Calling: hanging a bad name/ label on an idea. (e. g 1). Name Calling: hanging a bad name/ label on an idea. (e.g. “he is evil” or “don’t be lazy. Work for the country!” ) 2). Bandwagon: telling someone to do something because other people are doing it. (e.g. “everybody else is doing this, so why don’t you?”) 3). Plain folk:  show pictures of humble people, who can be trusted. This propaganda shows traditional ways of life. ( e.g. showing working people or farmers). 4). Emotional words and images: words or pictures that will make people feel strongly about someone or something. (e.g. showing a flag to make someone feel patriotic/nationalistic) 5). Generalization:  vague statements (like slogans) using values and beliefs deeply held by the audience. (e.g. “all Germans are bad” or “once a German, always a German”) 6). With us or against us: this convinces the people that if they do not do something, they might be as bad as the enemy. (e.g “if you do not do this, you are helping the enemy”) 7).Testimonial: Using somebody famous to support an idea or convince people to do something. (e.g. “The Prime Minister supports rationing, and so should you”).

Activity Activity: In small groups, you will be allocated specific posters to examine. For your designated posters, identify the ‘tricks’ used in the posters. Each group will present 1 poster to share with the class.

Poster 1

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Resource: http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/canada.htm The End Resource: http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/canada.htm