Propaganda in World War I Total War Countries

Propaganda in World War I

Total War Countries devoted all their resources to the war effort The entire force of government was dedicated to winning the conflict The conflict affected everyone, it touched not only soldiers but civilians as well It affected not just the military but put also political, economic and social institution

In each country, the wartime government took control of the economy. Governments told factories what to produce and how much. Numerous factories were converted to munitions factories. Nearly every able-body civilian was put to work in the war effort. So many goods were in short supply that governments turned to rationing Governments also suppressed anti-war activity – sometimes forcibly

Governments also used propaganda to keep up morale and support for the war effort

Propaganda The spreading of ideas, information or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person Ideas, facts or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause

One of the main instruments of propaganda was the war poster

Viewing Propaganda Questions to ask Who is the Target Audience? What is the Function? What is the Technique (emotional ploy) used?

Poster Contest Create a poster that could be used by one of the combatants for propaganda purposes during WWI Poster should be as authentic as possible to the period

Things to Consider Target Audience: who is it aimed at, where will it be located? Function: what is its purpose? Technique: what emotional ploy would be effective? Graphic Element: what would be most effective? Slogan or Banner: what would be the most effective choice of wording?