Patriotism played a large role in influencing men to join the British army during World War 1, as they felt obligated to protect their country and fellow citizens. Propaganda posters were also highly effective at appealing to men's sense of duty, honor, and pride by portraying the army in a positive light and emphasizing the need for more soldiers. These posters were designed to be easily understood by those with low literacy rates through bold images and text. A wide variety of propaganda methods were used to encourage enlistment up until conscription was enacted in 1916.

1. Patriotism and Propaganda
in World War 1

2. Patriotism
Patriotism was an extremely important and
influencing factor over the duration of WW1; men and
boys succumbed to ever-increasing pressure and the
need to fight for not only their freedom but also that
of the rest of the country and empire . This, as well as
women, children and the elderly, was used through
propaganda to make most men feel obliged to protect
their own and those who could not protect
themselves I.e. e women. Patriotism kept moral, faith
and trust in the government high, especially if there
was a particularly negative event such as the battle of
the Somme, a long and gruesome battle which cost
Britain 420,000 casualties including 125,000 deaths.

4. Propaganda
However, the biggest factor that affected men
joining the army, at least until conscription was
brought into place in 1916, was the use of
propaganda. This incorporated all of the ideals of
patriotism and of honour and duty into a poster.
The majority of these posters were extremely image
based and whatever small amount of writing they
would incorporate into the images design would be
bold and in large text. This was due to the fact that
a lot of members of the public, especially in the
north of England, only had very basic literary
skills, if any at all, and so the designers took this
into account when they were creating these
important tools.

5. Propaganda cont.
All of these posters would have either been produced in
newspapers, or placed in locations that men would frequent, the
pub or their workplace, for example. There was a wide range of
propaganda produced in Britain over the course of the First
World War, using many different ideas and angles to influence
the men and young boys who would see them. These included
an appeal to a man’s sense of honour and duty, including
showing women and children. They would also show images of
men in the army having an “great” time in the army. However,
the propaganda wasn’t just aimed at men enlisting. There are
some examples where it is asking for a monetary contribution to
the cause to aid in the fight against the Germans. There were
also a lot of appeals to a man’s ego and pride to make them
think that they themselves were special and that THEY would be
the hero who won Britain the war. Possibly the most famous
poster is that of Herbert Kitchener who was the face of