Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The First World War: The First World War: Propaganda PostersPropaganda Posters
What is Propaganda?What is Propaganda?
Propaganda is information usually Propaganda is information usually produced by governmentsproduced by governments presented presented
in such a way as to inspire and in such a way as to inspire and spread particular beliefs or opinions.spread particular beliefs or opinions.
1: ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately
to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause Source: Webster’s Dictionary
Propaganda As A Tool of WarPropaganda As A Tool of WarWhen you have a war that is lasting years and killing When you have a war that is lasting years and killing millions of soldiers you need a way to control public millions of soldiers you need a way to control public dissent against the cause.dissent against the cause.
Propaganda was (and is) an effective way to pressure Propaganda was (and is) an effective way to pressure the citizenship to continue supporting the effort.the citizenship to continue supporting the effort.
There are many different ways of creating emotion in There are many different ways of creating emotion in propaganda, including:propaganda, including:
1. Convincing people they are not doing enough.1. Convincing people they are not doing enough.
2. Showing the enemy as inhumane and cruel.2. Showing the enemy as inhumane and cruel.
3. Putting pictures of the helpless who need us.3. Putting pictures of the helpless who need us.
4. Advertising ways we can help the cause.4. Advertising ways we can help the cause.
Common Themes in WWI Common Themes in WWI PropagandaPropaganda
1.1. VICTORY / SUPPORT for War Effort – VICTORY / SUPPORT for War Effort – promote promote patriotism/nationalism patriotism/nationalism
2.2. FEAR OF ENEMYFEAR OF ENEMY - promote fear and hostility towards - promote fear and hostility towards the enemythe enemy
3.3. RECRUITMENT – RECRUITMENT – encourage men to enlistencourage men to enlist
4.4. CONSERVATION – CONSERVATION – save money and food (Rationing)save money and food (Rationing)
5.5. FINANCIAL SUPPORT – FINANCIAL SUPPORT – convince people to buy convince people to buy Victory Victory BondsBonds or donate to help soldier’s families or donate to help soldier’s families
At the outbreak of the First World War, Canada was tied closely to Britain through its constitution but even greater ties were the ones that ordinary Canadians saw as those that bound them to the mother country. This sense of patriotism and support for Britain was a theme that appeared over and over in Canadian war posters.
VICTORY
FEARFEAR
What is this poster’s message?
How is this poster promoting nationalism?
Canadian posters were also different from other countries in that as a hostile army was not overrunning Canada, the posters tended not to focus on violence in their design in order to make a point. Often poster designs used ridicule and humour as a theme when referring directly to the enemy.Most posters were produced by the government but there were many privately commissioned posters, as well. Local regiments, corporations, well-to-do individuals and charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, also got into the act.
RECRUITMENT
Conscription in Canada did not occur until 1917 so replacing casualties and increasing the size of Canada’s commitment to the conflict relied almost entirely on volunteers. Different from the British posters was the fact the Canada targeted various cultural and ethnic groups such as French Canadians, and those of Scottish and Irish descent.
Who is this posterdirected towards?
What emotions is it appealing to?
Who is the OLD LION?
Who are the YOUNG LIONS?
What is the purpose of this poster?
Who is the targetof this poster?
How is it attemptingto get the target to enlist?
CONSERVATION
Why was it soimportant for Canadians on thehome front to conserve food and other goods?
Conservation con’tConservation con’t
Why did the govt.Why did the govt.
deal with hoardersdeal with hoarders
so harshly?so harshly?
What emotions is What emotions is
this poster this poster
appealing to?appealing to?
FINANCIAL SUPPORTFINANCIAL SUPPORT
Throughout the war, the design of posters was similar to those originating in Britain and echoed many of the same themes. Typically, the posters were designed to encourage the public to invest in government Victory Bonds to help pay for the war, increase manufacturing productivity, donate money to organizations such as local societies of the Red Cross and Patriotic Funds and, more importantly, to encourage eligible men to join the armed forces.
Who does this Who does this poster target? poster target? How can you How can you tell?tell?
Why is this Why is this poster so poster so effective?effective?
What What techniques are techniques are used to make used to make this poster this poster effective?effective?
What emotions What emotions is this poster is this poster appealing to?appealing to?
Identify all of the Identify all of the stereotypes in stereotypes in this poster.this poster.
Considering what Considering what you know about you know about aboriginal aboriginal enlistment, why enlistment, why else is this else is this poster so poster so offensive?offensive?
Create a Propaganda
Poster that could be used during
WWI.
Making Your Own WWI Propaganda Posters
• By yourself or in groups of 2, create a propaganda poster with:– colourful images (photos or drawings) that reinforce propaganda– A catchy title and/or slogan that reinforces the propaganda– A clear message (see below)– Use of colour that reinforces message
• Based on one of the following Issues / Goals: – Fear of Enemy aliens (War Measures Act) – Honour rationing – Victory Bonds– Conscription / 1917 election– Women joining the war effort (i.e. work or supporting their men)– Recruitment posters
• Written Summary:• On the back of the poster or on a separate piece of paper, write down how
your poster relates to the issue you chose and WHY. For example,– who is your poster targeting and why– what information about the issue is contained on your poster (explain what info
you used and why)– What is the purpose of your poster?– What image(s) have you used and why?
