Canadian Propaganda World War One

What is Propaganda? “the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person” (Webster’s Dictionary) It is an inexpensive and efficient means of spreading a message to mass population

During World War One, all of the countries involved used propaganda posters for two main reasons: 1. As a way to justify involvement in the war to their own populace 2. As a means of obtaining men, money and resources to sustain the military campaign

Canadian Propaganda All people in Canada were targeted  Total War Everyone was encouraged to take some sort of action: –Young, healthy men were urged to enlist as soldiers

– Women were urged to encourage men to enlist in the army – Women were also responsible for preserving food due to shortages and for making sure that nothing was wasted

– All adults were targeted to buy Victory Bonds and to invest in Victory Loans – There was also a “Canadian Patriotic Fund” which adults were encouraged to buy into

– Older boys were asked to work on farms to overcome labor shortages – Young children were encouraged to buy “thrift stamps” to support the war

Tactics Used in War Propaganda Guilt: –Showing pictures of soldiers who need “your” help –Mentioning things one can sacrifice –Saying one would be selfish not to help out

Tactics Used in War Propaganda Honour: –The idea that to fight is the noble thing to do Patriotism: –“Your country needs you now!” –Posters with flags and symbols of other countries compared to your own

Tactics Used in War Propaganda Fear: –If we don’t win, the war will come here next –Women must help win the war to protect their children

Tactics Used in War Propaganda Obligation: –If you can’t fight then you should contribute by buying Victory Bonds or investing in the Canadian Patriotic Fund Peer Pressure: –“Fall in” –“Daddy, what did you do in the Great War?”

How Do You Define Effective Propaganda?

Effective Propaganda Effective propaganda is for the consumption of the masses, not intellectuals –It must appeal to everyone, regardless of race, culture, wealth, ancestry, position, or religion Effective propaganda has a few messages that are constantly repeated Effective propaganda needs no interpretation –it is positive or negative, based on good or evil –Should be idealistic, not realistic Effective propaganda has a striking format and extreme content –It should attract attention, even from a distance

Analyzing Propaganda Think about the following things for each poster: 1.The Target –Who is the audience the government wants to reach? 2. The Slogan –Why did they choose this slogan? What does it mean?

Analyzing Propaganda Think about the following things for each poster: 3. The Images –Why was this image chosen? Is there symbolism involved to make it even more identifiable? 4. The Emotions –What emotions is the poster evoking? Is this what the government wants you to feel? Why?

Analyzing Propaganda Think about the following things for each poster: 5. The Effectiveness –Does the poster follow all, some, or none of the rules for effective propaganda? Does the poster work in achieving its goals? Try analyzing the poster on the next slide…