MILITARY AND PROPAGANDA POSTERS

Does anyone recognize this image?

How about this image?

The single most famous portrait of Uncle Sam is the "I WANT YOU" Army recruiting poster from World War I. The poster was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in Because of its overwhelming popularity, the image was later adapted for use in World War II.

This is one of the most successful posters in American history and also one of the most often parodied.

PROPAGANDA Using the French Revolution as a blueprint... many countries used the medium of posters and leaflets as military PROPAGANDA - both good and bad. Propaganda is created to sway public opinion one way or another in favor of a cause. Sometimes it’s a just cause, other times it is complete lies. Propaganda works both ways though, and some enemies countered with false propaganda of their own, sometimes directed at their own people, to strengthen their image and cause. Our own government has been using this same tactic in Afghanistan, Iraq and on United States citizens. The next pages show some examples from many different wars and locations...

Canadian RecruitmentBritish Recruitment

“Keep Quiet” propaganda about the effects of spreading information carelessly

The looming spectre of nazi’s and Hitler. The poster on the right had to be redone because American workers felt it meant their boss was watching them...

The use of children in London war campaigns...

Anti-American / London Sentiments

Nazi propaganda aimed at the world.

“ Italian workers enlist yourself! The great Germany will protect you! ” “ War orphans… have confidence in the GERMAN SOLDIER! ”

PRO-AMERICAN WAR POSTERS Pro-American War posters were created to empower the American labor population into “doing their part” for the war effort. Pro-American War posters were created to empower the American labor population into “doing their part” for the war effort. Just because you weren’t overseas carrying a rifle, it didn’t mean you couldn’t help fight the war. - Keep production up… - Don’t rock the boat… - Quality and time means American lives.

Deriving their appearance from the fine and commercial arts, posters conveyed more than simple slogans. Posters expressed the needs and goals of the people who created them.

World War II posters helped to mobilize a nation. Inexpensive, accessible, and ever-present, the poster was an ideal agent for making war aims the personal mission of every citizen. Government agencies, businesses, and private organizations issued an array of poster images linking the military front with the home front -- calling upon every American to boost production at work and at home. Patriotism meant business.

PARODY POSTERS Just as the Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster continues to be parodied in popular culture, so to do parodies of past propaganda posters and current pop culture. A parody is a satirical or humorous version of a popular phrase, image, person or product. Weird Al writes “parodies” Saturday Night Live performs “parodies” Wacky Packs create product “parodies”

Government agencies, businesses, and private organizations issued an array of poster images linking the military front with the home front. Patriotism meant business Pro-American War posters were created to empower the American labor population into “doing their part” for the war effort. Many countries use the medium of posters and leaflets as military propaganda - both good and bad - to sway public opinion in favor of their cause. QUESTIONS? Parody Posters are satirical or humorous versions of a popular phrase, image, person or product.