The First World War & Propaganda

Uses of propaganda

Each nation that participated in the First World War used propaganda as a means of justifying involvement in the war to their own populace.

Propaganda was also used as a means to procure men, money, and resources to sustain the military campaign.

Britain

In countries such as Britain, the use of propaganda posters was readily understandable. In 1914 she only possessed a professional army and did not have in place a policy of national service, which was standard in other countries, such as France and Germany.

Initially, posters proved successful but the large numbers of men required at the Front ultimately led to the introduction of conscription.

Britain

Posters were not used solely to recruit men to the military cause.

Posters commonly urged wartime thrift, and were vocal in seeking funds from the general public via subscription to various war bond schemes.

Canada

Canada entered the First World War along with Britain in August 1914.

Canada did not have in place a policy of conscription – although this was changed in time by PM Sir Robert Borden.

Recruitment posters were prominent in stimulating military enlistment.

Government & Propaganda

Words, posters and silent films waged a constant battle for the hearts and minds of the citizenry.

Governments launched aggressive propaganda campaigns with clearly articulated goals and strategies to galvanize public support.

FYI-Recommended Techniques for Poster Design in the First World War:

Must have immediate mass appeal regardless of race, culture, wealth, ancestry, position or religion.

Should attract eye at a distance. Should be idealistic, not realistic. Must be taken in by a single stroke of the eye. Should seduce the casual spectator. Must appeal to a helter-skelter public. Must implant a sense of righteousness into the

viewer. Minimize the concept of time.

FYI- Recruitment Posters

The following series of posters used various techniques to encourage men to enlist in the military.

These posters would appeal to a sense of patriotism, duty or pride, or perhaps even guilt.

The early posters were simple but they grew more sophisticated as time passed. Note the change in 5th Pioneer Battalion posters. Take note especially of posters for the 148th Overseas Battalion, which changed dramatically over time.

Financing the War Effort

Wars cost a lot of money and so the government appealed to its citizens to contribute to the effort.

Again, various means were used and various emotions were appealed to, such as pride, patriotism or guilt, and sometimes fear of, or contempt for, the enemy.

Earned interest on Victory Bonds was also an incentive.

Victory Bonds

Victory bonds are debt securities issued by a government for the purpose of financing military operations during times of war.

War bonds generate capital for the government and make civilians feel involved in their national militaries.

Canadian Patriotic Fund

Conservation of Scarce Resources

It was important to save scarce resources during the war.

This included not wasting food. It also included growing more food. Children were not exempt from

helping in this regard. Note the appeals to emotions in

these posters.

Volunteer Work

Children were encouraged to work on farms to help with the war effort.

Help for Returning Soldiers

Injured and returning soldiers had to be provided for upon their return.

THE END