World War I Propaganda-The Poster War

WW I Propaganda - The Poster War• Propaganda - the spreading of ideas,

information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person.– A deliberate attempt to influence individuals by

leading one to behave “as though his response were his own decision.”

• In war, it’s used as an instrument for maintaining unity, good will and a common purpose:

– Maintaining and boosting the morale of soldiers.– Unifying society at home in support of the war effort.

The following posters are divided into three parts:• Propaganda symbols

• The use of the soldier on the battlefront as a universal propaganda image.

• The home-front, especially the evolution in the portrayal of women.

Propaganda Symbols

• Identify and vilify the enemy.

• Glorify the Allies

• Portrayal of Women as Victims.

Britain 1917

Artist: David Wilson

USA

1917

One last effort & we will get them.

Artist: Unknown

France 1917

USA

1918

Sottoscrivete al Prestito

Subscribe for the Loan

Artist: Giovanni Capranesi Italy 1917

Canada

1918

Liberation Loan France 1918

The use of the soldier on the battlefront

• Defender of Civilization

• Heroes

• One who always does his duty despite hardships.

They Shall Not Pass

France

1918

We Will Get Them

France 1916

Zeichnet 7. Kriegsanleihe - Wiener KommerzialbankTranslation: Subscribe for the 7th War Loan Alfred Offner 1917 - Germany

Canada

1917

Offering the Army and Navy

Germany 1916

For The Supreme Effort

France 1915

USA

1917

THE HOME-FRONT

• Evolution in the portrayal of women.– Shifted from one of women as victims to a

more positive image:• As care givers.• Factory workers in jobs formerly held by men.

USA

1918

USA

1918

USA 1918

The Frenchwoman in War-Time. Artist: G. Capon - France 1917

THE END!Bibliography

Ivarone, Mike., Posters From the Great War. Trenches on the Web. Available athttp://www.worldwar1.com/reflib.htm

Mahovich, Roger N., British Posters of World War I. Fairchild Memorial Gallery

Lauinger Library, Georgetown University. Available at

http://gulib.lausun.georgetown.edu/dept/speccoll/britpost/posters.htm

Tynski, Gary., Canadian War Poster Collection. McGill University, 2001. Available at http://imago.library.mcgill.ca/warposters/intro.htm