World War One Propaganda Techniques

What Is Propaganda? Advertising designed to spread a message (propagate) using one sided techniques Often focuses on emotional rather than logical appeal

Common Tactics Name calling: hanging a bad label on an idea Card Stacking: make the best case possible for one’s side, and the worst for the opposing viewpoint by carefully using only those facts that support their side of the argument Band Wagon: persuade the audience to follow the crowd Testimonial: Appoint a respected person to endorse a cause Plain folk: convince the audience that the spokesperson is from humble origins

(Continued) Transfer: carry over the authority and approval of something we respect and revere, to something the propagandist would have us accept Glittery Generality: vague, sweeping statements (often slogans or simple catchphrases) using language associated with values and beliefs deeply held by the audience without providing supporting information or reason

Why Use Propaganda? Each of the nations that participated in WWI used propaganda posters to: -justify their involvement to their own populace -recruit men -a way to raise money and resources to sustain the military campaign. -to urge conservation Why Use Posters? -Visual -Technological limitations -Common experience

Propaganda on the American Front Managed by George Creel & CPI -Used posters, films, “4 Minute Men” -censorship Had to walk a delicate balance -Nation was neutral (seemed to vote for peace in 1916) -”hyphenated Americans” -Fear of government power Was incredibly successful

Additional Resources Wartime Propaganda: http://www.100megspop3.com/bark/Propaganda.html Resources: http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/usa.htm http://www.library.georgetown.edu/special-collections/art