1. The First World War: Propaganda Posters

2. What is Propaganda? Propaganda is information usually produced by governments presented in such a way as to inspire and spread particular beliefs or opinions. 1: ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause Source: Webster’s Dictionary

3. Propaganda As A Tool of War When you have a war that is lasting years and killing millions of soldiers you need a way to control public dissent against the cause. Propaganda was (and is) an effective way to pressure the citizenship to continue supporting the effort. There are many different ways of creating emotion in propaganda, including: 1. Convincing people they are not doing enough. 2. Showing the enemy as inhumane and cruel. 3. Putting pictures of the helpless who need us. 4. Advertising ways we can help the cause.

4. Common Themes in WWI Propaganda 1. VICTORY / SUPPORT for War Effort – promote patriotism/nationalism 2.FEAR OF ENEMY - promote fear and hostility towards the enemy 3.RECRUITMENT – encourage men to enlist 4.CONSERVATION – save money and food (Rationing) 5.FINANCIAL SUPPORT – convince people to buy Victory Bonds or donate to help soldier’s families

5. At the outbreak of the First World War, Canada was tied closely to Britain through its constitution but even greater ties were the ones that ordinary Canadians saw as those that bound them to the mother country. This sense of patriotism and support for Britain was a theme that appeared over and over in Canadian war posters. VICTORY

7. FEAR What is this poster’s message? How is this poster promoting nationalism?

8. Canadian posters were also different from other countries in that as a hostile army was not overrunning Canada, the posters tended not to focus on violence in their design in order to make a point. Often poster designs used ridicule and humour as a theme when referring directly to the enemy. Most posters were produced by the government but there were many privately commissioned posters, as well. Local regiments, corporations, well-to-do individuals and charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, also got into the act.

10. RECRUITMENT

11. Conscription in Canada did not occur until 1917 so replacing casualties and increasing the size of Canada’s commitment to the conflict relied almost entirely on volunteers. Different from the British posters was the fact the Canada targeted various cultural and ethnic groups such as French Canadians, and those of Scottish and Irish descent.

14. Who is this poster directed towards? What emotions is it appealing to?

16. Who is the OLD LION? Who are the YOUNG LIONS? What is the purpose of this poster?

17. Who is the target of this poster? How is it attempting to get the target to enlist?

18. CONSERVATION Why was it so important for Canadians on the home front to conserve food and other goods?

20. Conservation con’t

21. Why did the govt. deal with hoarders so harshly? What emotions is this poster appealing to?

23. FINANCIAL SUPPORT

24. Throughout the war, the design of posters was similar to those originating in Britain and echoed many of the same themes. Typically, the posters were designed to encourage the public to invest in government Victory Bonds to help pay for the war, increase manufacturing productivity, donate money to organizations such as local societies of the Red Cross and Patriotic Funds and, more importantly, to encourage eligible men to join the armed forces.

25. Who does this poster target? How can you tell? Why is this poster so effective?

27. What techniques are used to make this poster effective? What emotions is this poster appealing to?

28. Identify all of the stereotypes in this poster. Considering what you know about aboriginal enlistment, why else is this poster so offensive?

29. Create a Propaganda Poster that could be used during WWI.

30. Making Your Own WWI Propaganda Posters By yourself or in groups of 2, create a propaganda poster with: – –colourful images (photos or drawings) that reinforce propaganda – –A catchy title and/or slogan that reinforces the propaganda – –A clear message (see below) – –Use of colour that reinforces message Based on one of the following Issues / Goals: – –Fear of Enemy aliens (War Measures Act) – –Honour rationing – –Victory Bonds – –Conscription / 1917 election – –Women joining the war effort (i.e. work or supporting their men) – –Recruitment posters Written Summary: On the back of the poster or on a separate piece of paper, write down how your poster relates to the issue you chose and WHY. For example, – –who is your poster targeting and why – –what information about the issue is contained on your poster (explain what info you used and why) – –What is the purpose of your poster? – –What image(s) have you used and why?