1. World War One
Propaganda
Techniques

2. What Is Propaganda?
Advertising designed to spread a message (propagate) using one sided techniques
Often focuses on emotional rather than logical appeal

3. Common Tactics Name calling: hanging a bad label on an idea
Card Stacking: make the best case possible for one’s side, and the worst for the opposing viewpoint by carefully using only those facts that support their side of the argument
Band Wagon: persuade the audience to follow the crowd
Testimonial: Appoint a respected person to endorse a cause
Plain folk: convince the audience that the spokesperson is from humble origins

4. (Continued)
Transfer: carry over the authority and approval of something we respect and revere, to something the propagandist would have us accept
Glittery Generality: vague, sweeping statements (often slogans or simple catchphrases) using language associated with values and beliefs deeply held by the audience without providing supporting information or reason

5. Why Use Propaganda? Each of the nations that participated in WWI
used propaganda
posters to:
-justify their involvement to
their own populace
-recruit men
-a way to raise money and
resources to sustain the
military campaign.
-to urge conservation
Why Use Posters?
-Visual
-Technological limitations
-Common experience

6. Propaganda on the American Front
Managed by George Creel & CPI
-Used posters, films, “4 Minute
Men”
-censorship
Had to walk a delicate balance
-Nation was neutral (seemed
to vote for peace in 1916)
-”hyphenated Americans”
-Fear of government power
Was incredibly successful

13. Additional Resources Wartime Propaganda:
Resources: