Propaganda During Ww1

Propaganda & War

Propaganda in times of conflict is a powerful tool. Media with an objective can successfully change the course of history by influencing certain groups or nations , justifying wars and violence , or even influence worldviews on issues or nations. The examples i will be using are World War 1 and the Cold War , both of which were heavily influenced by the use of propaganda.

World War I

During World War I, the impact of the poster as a means of communication was stronger during this period than any other. Following conflicts moved too radio and television. WWI posters had a huge impact with the ability to inspire , persuade and inform.

World War I began as a conflict between the Alllies (France, the United Kingdom, and Russia)

With losses of over 1,000 people from the UK/Allied nations. As well the bombing by the German Navy of Scarborough in northern England that resulted in many losses of many women and children, provided plenty of fuel to continue to demonize the Germans so the poster artists could continue to show why a war against Germany was justified.

Propaganda for funding

In order to be successful in war you need a lot of two things , people and money.Drafts and r recruitment posters helped to take care of one ,but as the war dragged continued governments needed to advertise to raise funds. Advertisements urged people to buy government bonds ( called ‘Liberty Bonds’ in the United States) and were often linked to a patriotic or duty message.

These posters helped raise war funds by creating a sentiment of responsibility to donate and help out the people fighting in the trenches and at the fronts. Everyone wanted their sons and fathers home , and if the government told them their silver and gold could end the war then they were willing to give what they could.

Commercial advertising in

Things such as the Children’s Crusade Against Communism bubblegum cards are a great example of american propaganda targeting children. The Bubblegum used cartoon depictions with bright colors and text that was straightforward and easy to understand allowing children to grasp the message.

Propaganda that will be consumed by children was a common occurrence in many mediums throughout the cold war.

Education as Propaganda.

Education served as a means of control & propaganda by focusing on ideologies of freedom and democracy. By depicting the Soviet Union and their opposing viewpoints such as communism as the enemy to our way of life . By instilling this sentiment in american children the American government was able to ensure themselves control over future occurrences with communism. Educational videos produced by the American federal government’s Civil Defense department where shown in schools across the country to teach children what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. The most popular film amongst school children was the 1951 film “Duck and Cover”