Propaganda WWI

What is propaganda?Definition:The spreading of information aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviours of large numbers of people

The world “propaganda” comes from “propagate,” which means to cause to grow or spread.

Similar Modern Example:-Military Recruiting Posters-Television Commercials-Magazine Ads

Propaganda involves•Spreading carefully selected information, rumours and ideas•Providing information that is often biased or distorted•Persuading people to support a goal

Working with PropagandaWhen examining primary sources such as posters that were created as propaganda, remember the following equation. It will help you read and interpret propaganda posters, as well as other primary source documents.

How was it distributed?

Why was it used?During wartime, countries used propaganda for a number of reasons1) To increase military recruiting2) To encourage food rationing at home3) To encourage the purchase of War Bonds4)To increase support for the war

Why Posters?•Television had not yet been invented•Not everyone owned or had access to a radio•Posters were the most effective means of getting a message across

TechniquesPropaganda posters are designed to deliver a specific message to a specific audience. Some techniques used to create propaganda posters include

•Colour and symbols (e.g., red might symbolize blood)•Appeal to emotions (e.g., fear, sense of adventure, sense of duty)•Images that are important to an audience (e.g., commitment to family, church, or country)•Bold slogans

As a result, you may see some of the following ideas and images in World War I propaganda posters:

Emotional imagesThreats to family, church, or countryThe Union Jack (Britain’s flag)Symbols of France, such as a soldier in French uniform

Think about this poster.Purpose: To encourage men to join the army

Target Audience: French-speaking Canadian men

Techniques Used: Slogans that appeal to emotions (“Will we stand by while things that are precious to us burn?”), image of a burning cathedral (designed to appeal to the emotions of French-speaking Canadians, many of whom were Catholics)

How was it used?A number of techniques were used to get the message across:

-Guilt-Patriotism-Demonizing the enemy-Pro-Country/Cause-Revenge-Strong images/symbols-Emotional hooks – phrases/descriptions

Propaganda is designed to invoke strong personal feelings

Analysis

Purpose: To encourage people to join the military

Technique: Guilt – he’s done his part, he’s singling you out to do YOUR part!

Target Audience: Males – old enough to join the forces

AnalysisPurpose?

Technique?

Target Audience?

AnalysisPurpose?

Technique?

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ActivityIn partners or small groups analyze a WWI propaganda poster.

Answer the following questions:1) What is the purpose of the poster?2) What technique is used?3) Who is the target audience?4) What imagery/symbols does it use?5) Is it effective? Why or why not?

It’s Raining Propaganda!

German flyer dropped over the front lines in 1918.