WWI was the first war in which the government systematically produced propaganda as a way to target the public and alter their opinion.
The goal was to mobilise hatred against the enemy; to convince the population of the justness of the cause; to enlist the active support and cooperation of neutral countries; and to strengthen the support of allies.
The goal was to mobilise hatred against the enemy; to convince the population of the justness of the cause; to enlist the active support and cooperation of neutral countries; and to strengthen the support of allies.
To Recruit Soldiers
The recruitment posters appealed to men’s sense of dignity and honour. These recurring themes were intrinsically linked with traditional family values where men acted as defenders of their families and homes.
Posters were printed that made the army look exciting. Other posters told men it was their duty to join, that they would feel proud if they did and guilty or embarrassed if they didn't join. |
To Influence Opinion in Neutral Countries
Each side tried to get into the minds of Americans with their propaganda methods. Each side wanted American help and support in World War I. The British were more successful than the Germans in doing this.
British propaganda made effective use of Germany’s misfortunes or misjudgements during the war. Most damaging of all was the ‘Zimmerman telegram’, a German diplomatic communication which was uncovered in 1917 by British intelligence. The telegram contained details of German plans in the event of the USA joining the war on the Allied side. It envisaged an offer to Mexico of territory including the states of Texas and Arizona in return for declaring war on the USA. |
Propaganda Was Also Used Directly Against EnemiesGerman propaganda included material written in Urdu, aimed at Indian regiments fighting in Europe. These leaflets and posters played on resentments of British rule in India, and attempted to persuade soldiers to stop fighting or join with German troops
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