Propaganda is to a Democracy
What Violence is to a Dictatorship
Propaganda in the U.S.
Propaganda Technique: TESTIMONIAL
When some respected celebrity (or alternatively someone generally hated) claims that an idea or product is good (or bad).
Audience: American Civilians at home.
In this WWI propaganda poster, we have the giant boot of the very famous personification of the American government, Uncle Sam, poised above a seemingly terrified subject. That subject is a member of the Kaiser, a German, who appears to be fleeing for his life, arms up held up in protection.The powerful caption "Help Uncle Sam Stamp Out The Kaiser!" is prominantely featured. Etched on Uncle Sam's boot is the words "3rd Liberty Loan". At the bottom, "BUY U.S. GOV'T BONDS", a common propaganda message from the time, is stated almost as if someone was yelling.
This poster is very patriotic. It conveys a mood of supremacy and power, using yellow and red to set a bright, positive tone. Similar to Rosie the Rivetor's "We can do it" vibe, this poster was made to impact the target audience (common American folk of the time) in a positive way that inflicts a rousing spirit to those who see it. The bright colors, silly pose of fear on the German and the comforting symbol of Uncle Sam are all used as pursuasive techniques.
The explicit message of the poster is clear; if you buy government bonds according to the 3rd Liberty Loan, the Kaiser will be defeated. The word "help" is used in a way that states that the U.S. is already winning and just needs that extra boost, leading viewers to believe this was probably made mid-war. And that even though they're at home and not in the trenches, they can make a difference and help win the war.
This poster shows nationalistic values because of the notion of "stamping" or "killing" another person. The poster is slightly gruesome in this way, as we can only imagine what would happen to the poor German if that boot came down on him. Killing is typically a sign of ultranationalism.
"The Propagandist purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human" --Aldous Huxley
Russia
Propaganda Technique: TRANSFER
Transfer is when a symbol that carries respect, authority, sanction, and prestige is used along with and idea or argument to make it look more acceptable. The example here is the flag and the hand shake.
Audience: Russian civilians
This picture is of a Russian postcard during World War I. The image depicts the Allies of the war all shaking hands. This promotes a sense of strength in the war. The hand shake shows togetherness, and friendly formalities. This in turn would help citizens support the war, showing that all the countries are in this together.
Britain
CHERRY PICKING or DISTORTION OF DATA
This technique is used to convince the audience by using selected information and not presenting the complete story. For example, in this poster, they only talk about the women and children fatalities, to evoke more emotion.
Audience: Young British Men
This poster came after the Raid on Scarborough, which took place on 16 December 1914, and was an attack by the Imperial Germany Navy on the British seaport towns of Scarborough, Hartlepool, West Hartepool, and Whitby. The attack resulted in 137 fatalities and 592 casualties, many of whom were civilians. The attack resulted in public outrage towards the German navy for an attack against civilians, and against the Royal Navyfor its failure to prevent the raid. The poster however, mainly puts an emphasis on the "women and chidren", all innocent civilians. Depicting the Germans to be monsters, British men went to battle to put a stop to them.
French
FAULTY ANALOGY
This is when a comparison is carried too far. In the poster, wheat is compared to gold.
Audience: French Civilians and especially farmers at home.
Semez du blé. C'est de l'or pour la France. The poster features a large sickle, a sheaf of wheat, and a French flag in the background. Translation of title: Grow wheat. It is gold for France. This targets the women and other citizens at home and the need and importance of food for their troops
"All propaganda is a lie, even when it's telling the truth."-- George Orwell
Germany's Skillful Ploy
Propaganda Technique: PLAIN FOLKS and GLITTERING GENERALITY
Audience: Mostly women