Propaganda

PROPAGANDA: (N.)

…is the deliberate spreading of information to either harm or hurt an individual, group of people, organization or nation.

Its roots can be traced to the strong-minded Athenians of Greece,--- though lacking such tools as the newspaper, radio, and movies, could use other powerful engines of propaganda to mold attitudes and opinions. They had games, (like the Olympics) the theater, the law courts, and religious festivals, that provided the opportunity for propagandizing ideas and beliefs. The Greek playwrights made use of the drama for their political, social, and moral teachings.

THE GREEKS EXPANDED THEIR CULTURE AND BECAME A UNITED COUNTRY AS A RESULT OF THEIR ABILITY TO INFLUENCE CITIZENS THROUGH THE ARTS---WHICH OFTEN DEPICTED HEROES LIKE HECTOR AND ACHILLES

Later, the Romans were able to do the same thing---and they became the most powerful civilization the world had ever seen.

IN MODERN TIMES, PROPAGANDA HAS MOST OFTEN BEEN USED BY POLITICAL PARTIES TO INFLUENCE VOTERS,

AND TO INFLUENCE CITIZENS DURING TIMES OF WAR…

During the American Civil War, Propaganda posters were used on both sides. Here is one that advertised Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the book which greatly aided the North’s anti-slavery movement.

THIS RECRUITMENT POSTER WAS DESIGNED TO APPEAL TO YOUNG MEN IN NEW YORK STATE….WHO WOULD BE GIVEN A BOUNTY AFTER THE WAR WAS OVER, IN ADDITION TO THEIR PAY.

On May 7, 1915, the passenger liner, RMS Luisitania was torpedoed by a German U-Boat and sank within 18 minutes. 1,198 of the 1,959 passengers aboard drowned.

The sinking turned public opinion in many countries against Germany, and was instrumental in helping to bring the United States into World War I.

This painting, by Frederick Spear, was used by American Armed Forces as a powerful recruitment tool.

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF AMERICAN WWII POSTERS

Paddy’O Studios Staunton, Virginia 2010