Teaching Notes

This is a WWI Russian propaganda poster. This particular propaganda was used to persuade people about how evil the Germans were, Kaiser Wilhelm specifically. Having goat legs and hooves, holding skulls, along with the deep red color certainly give off the appearance that the Kaiser is the devil!

Teaching Notes

This the cover of an official government report over 'alleged' German atrocities. While German certainly did comment many atrocities during WWI, some that were rumored to have happened have little to no evidence, or the evidence would describe a something that was less than reports would have you believe. Reports like this one would later be used by the media as the basis of newspaper articles and similar media.

Teaching Notes

This is a postcard using British propaganda imagery. By looking at it you can tell that it was meant to instill a patriotic feeling in it's viewers. The British bulldog is obviously a traditional animal associated with Britain,  and it is firmly standing it's ground. The puppies represent oversees colonies and imply that Britain has a paternal relationship with said colonies and that those colonies should come to Britain's aid. Of course the words themselves prompt the viewer to feel a sense of unity and confidence. 

Teaching Notes

This poster is obviously aimed towards getting women to allow/agree to letting the men in their life to go off to war. The Poster seems to have a sort of power, it's almost as if the poster is commanding the viewer to agree. This may not only come from a sense of authority from the government but also a sense of pride and duty. The poster implies that it is a mans duty to go to war, as you see soldiers march off in the bottom left, and that it is therefore a woman's duty to accept that. 

Teaching Notes

We've all seen this poster at some point! This poster is an iconic American propaganda piece that first appeared during WWI. This poster appeals directly to the viewer, essentially singling them out. The poster tries to appeal to you sense of duty and responsibility. The red, white and blue coloring are certainly there to make the viewer draw on their national pride. 

Teaching Notes

This is a clip that can show you some examples of the different types of films that would be used as propaganda during WWI. Watching it really gives you a feel for the technology of the times. Films were new to the scenes but that didn't mean that they couldn't be utilized to help out with the war effort.  

Teaching Notes

This is a picture taken in Rome. The American flag flies as the announcement of America's involvement in Word War 1 travels across the globe. This propaganda photo can be used to instill confidence, and hope into the general population. "Look, more people are joining our fight, we will definitely win now if we work hard enough". It can also be used to demoralize an enemy population as they realize more people will be against them. 

Teaching Notes

This newspaper can show us that propaganda can come in many forms, sometimes the truth. The Lusitania was indeed sunk by German submarines, which would spark outcry all over America and have many calling for war. What the newspapers fail to highlight was the potential that the ship contained war supplies and was a possible legit military target. Nevertheless, hundreds of people died as a result. Reporting the truth, and leaving some details out of the spotlight, can definitely act as propaganda. 

Teaching Notes

Students can use this worksheet to walk them through analyzing some of the posters.