1. Canadian World War II
Propaganda

2. What is Propaganda? What is the purpose of Propaganda?
Propaganda is information, ideas, or rumours deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.
Official government communications to the public that are designed to influence opinion. The information may be true or false, but it is always carefully selected for its political effect. (Cultural dictionary)
Ask students to brainstorm what propaganda is and what they think the purpose of propaganda is.
In other words propaganda is used to PERSUED large numbers of people at once on a particular subject, idea, etc.

3. What forms of propaganda exist in the media?
When might propaganda be used?
Can you think of any particular events where propaganda was used?
walt disney propaganda video
Answer: poster, television, radio, etc.
Show video clip of Walt Disney propaganda.

4. Why was Propaganda used in WWII?
Recruitment purposes
Canadians were physically and psychologically unprepared for war in
inadequate military preparations were matched by a psychological reticence. The country had just begun to recover from the trauma of a severe ten-year Depression which had strained the its religious, social and political institutions.
Ask students why they think propaganda was used in WWII before proceeding.
Recruitment purposes – WHY?? Why would Canadians need to be recruited for WWII??

5. The Government used propaganda posters to encourage Canadians to enlist, to get a war job, to contribute money to the war effort, and to hate the enemy.
Messages had to be simple and direct.
Messages had to appeal to people’s emotions.

6. There were two types of messages:
Positive posters encouraged people to be part of the group doing good things for their country.
Negative posters played on people’s fears and encouraged a “good guys” against the “bad guys” point of view. These were often racist in the way they depicted the “bad guys”.

7. What is the purpose of the poster?
Who is the target audience?
Were the posters effective? Why or why not?

9. What is the purpose of the poster?
Who is the target audience?
Were the posters effective? Why or why not?

10. Make your own Propaganda Poster
Reflect on what you have learned about propaganda posters and create your own Propaganda Poster !!!
Your poster should target a certain audience during World War II.
You are to include both drawings and words on your poster.