Propaganda WWI What is propaganda Definition The spreading

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 Propaganda When 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 reasons 1) To increase military recruiting 2) To encourage food rationing at home 3) To encourage the purchase of War Bonds 4)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

Techniques Propaganda 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 images §Threats to family, church, or country §The 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: Frenchspeaking 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

Analysis Purpose? Technique? Target Audience?

Analysis Purpose? Technique? Target Audience?

Activity In 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.