WWI Propaganda

1. Propaganda in
WWI
Mrs. Herron

2. Main purposes of propaganda
• Getting support of women and the
Home Front (rationing, industrial
production, farming, buying Victory
Bonds, etc.)
• Encouraging enlistment
• Supporting Union Government
(Conscription)

3. Elements of propaganda
• Message—what it’s saying
• Purpose—why the government wants/needs to say this
• Audience—to whom it’s directed
• Methods—how they do it
• Examine the images, people, slogans, fonts, symbols and
colours to see what tactics they’re using

4. Methods commonly used
• Most posters appeal to or attack a person’s:
• Patriotism
• Sense of duty / work ethic
• Manhood
• Womanhood
• Guilt/shame
• Family
• Other?

5. Time to Practice!!
• Consider ALL of these as you
analyze the following posters.
• Do YOU see any common
themes or tactics being used?

6. Analyze the poster

17. Your Assignment
• Create your own WWI propaganda poster to achieve
one of the purposes above
• Your poster must contain all elements of propaganda
AND be visually pleasing (not looking for
Rembrandt!)
• Above all: Be appropriate in your purpose and
message. Ask yourself: What did the government
want to get across and how could they best do it?

18. Message /10
Purpose /10
Audience /10
Methods /10
Visual appeal /10
Total /50
Grading Scale