What is Propaganda?

• Propaganda is a specific type of message presentation aimed at serving an agenda. At its root, the denotation of propaganda is 'to propagate (actively spread) a philosophy or point of view'.

• The most common use of the term (historically) is in political contexts; in particular to refer to certain efforts sponsored by governments or political groups.

Why do we use Propaganda?• Each of the nations

which participated in World War Two used propaganda posters.

• They used posters to:– Justify their involvement

to their own populace– As a means of recruiting

men to enlist– A way to raise money

and resources to sustain the military campaign.

– To urge conservation

Why Posters?

• Most did not have access to television

• Not everyone owned or had access to a radio

• Posters were the most effective means of getting a message across

Directions for Assignment• You will work by yourself to create a

“war poster” with a specific “slogan” based on a topic to persuade others to join the war cause.

• This can be either positive or negative propaganda

• You will also write a 2 paragraph report explaining the role of your topic and the significance/elements of your phrase/poster.

Directions (Continued)• The Poster must be hand-drawn, colored,

and eye-catching. • The Report must be written or typed in

complete sentences.• It is NOT acceptable for you to “Google

image” and copy someone else’s ideas.• It is NOT historically accurate or acceptable

for you to have images of modern things featured on your poster that weren’t available in the early/mid 1900s.

Instructions for Report• First paragraph – What is your topic?

Explain your topic and the role it played in World War II

• Second paragraph – What is your slogan? Why is it significant? How do the elements of artwork contribute to your slogan and topic? How are they used?

Grading Rubric– 100 points

• Content (50) – report is complete, very accurate, well-organized, and error-free

• Artwork/Slogan (30) – poster is complete, creative, relevant, historically accurate, and persuasive

• Neatness/Organization (20) – poster is very neat and well-organized