2. The First World War & Propaganda

3. Uses of propaganda  Each nation that participated in the First World War used propaganda as a means of justifying involvement in the war to their own populace.  Propaganda was also used as a means to procure men, money, and resources to sustain the military campaign.

4. Britain  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, which was standard in other countries, such as France and Germany.  Initially, posters proved successful but the large numbers of men required at the Front ultimately led to the introduction of conscription.

5. Britain  Posters were not used solely 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.

6. Canada  Canada entered the First World War along with Britain in August 1914.  Canada did not have in place a policy of conscription – although this was changed in time by PM Sir Robert Borden.  Recruitment posters were prominent in stimulating military enlistment.

7. Government & Propaganda  Words, posters and silent films waged a constant battle for the hearts and minds of the citizenry.  Governments launched aggressive propaganda campaigns with clearly articulated goals and strategies to galvanize public support.

8. FYI-Recommended Techniques for Poster Design in the First World War:  Must have immediate mass appeal regardless of race, culture, wealth, ancestry, position or religion.  Should attract eye at a distance.  Should be idealistic, not realistic.  Must be taken in by a single stroke of the eye.  Should seduce the casual spectator.  Must appeal to a helter-skelter public.  Must implant a sense of righteousness into the viewer.  Minimize the concept of time.

9. FYI- Recruitment Posters  The following series of posters used various techniques to encourage men to enlist in the military.  These posters would appeal to a sense of patriotism, duty or pride, or perhaps even guilt.  The early posters were simple but they grew more sophisticated as time passed. Note the change in 5 th Pioneer Battalion posters. Take note especially of posters for the 148 th Overseas Battalion, which changed dramatically over time.

30. Financing the War Effort  Wars cost a lot of money and so the government appealed to its citizens to contribute to the effort.  Again, various means were used and various emotions were appealed to, such as pride, patriotism or guilt, and sometimes fear of, or contempt for, the enemy.  Earned interest on Victory Bonds was also an incentive.

31. Victory Bonds  Victory bonds are debt securities issued by a government for the purpose of financing military operations during times of war.debt securities  War bonds generate capital for the government and make civilians feel involved in their national militaries.

42. Canadian Patriotic Fund

43. Conservation of Scarce Resources  It was important to save scarce resources during the war.  This included not wasting food.  It also included growing more food.  Children were not exempt from helping in this regard.  Note the appeals to emotions in these posters.

48. Volunteer Work  Children were encouraged to work on farms to help with the war effort.

49. Help for Returning Soldiers  Injured and returning soldiers had to be provided for upon their return.

51. THE END