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PROPAGANDA AND CENSORSHIP DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR

What's "propaganda"?

Information, often false information, that a government or organization spreads in order to influence people’s opinions and beliefs

PROPAGANDA

Propaganda played a key role during WW1 through the use of posters.

  • it was established in September 1914;

  • Known also as Wellington House, it was the centre of British propaganda;

  • Its aims were to:

- promote a positive image of Britain at war;

- encourage patriotism;

- represent the enemy in the worst possible light.

WAR PROPAGANDA BUREAU

WAR PROPAGANDA BUREAU

Some posters used by the British propaganda:

Some of the posters used by propaganda:

Britons. Join your Country's Army!

"Britons wants you"

  • This is the most famous poster from the First World War.
  • It shows Field Marshal Lord Kitchener - the Secretary of State for War - appealing for people to join the British Army.
  • He stares and points at the viewers, calling them to enlist in the British Army.
  • Its striking visual appeal was picked up by other artists, including in the USA, where the image of Kitchener was replaced by Uncle Sam.

Step into your place.

Step into your place

This poster shows a united Britain, with all members of society going to war together.

Everyone is shown carrying the tools of their trade or profession, with civilians gradually transforming into British infantrymen (soldati di fanteria).

The poster conveys a sense of commutual effort and of shared sacrifice in defense of a whole community. The viewer is invited to join the end of the queue of volunteers.

Women of Britain say: - "GO!"

Women of Britain say "GO!"

A woman stands at an open window, together with her daughter and son, watching British soldiers march. She knows her husband is fighting for her and their country. The aim is to persuade British women to send their husbands to war.

This poster clearly demonstrates the application of advertising techniques to the recruitment campaign. It is appealing to British women to encourage more men to join the army.

Women Urgently Wanted for the W.A.A.C.

Women urgently wanted for the WAAC

  • The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was established in December 1916;
  • Women who joined the Corps carried out a large number of non-combatant tasks in France, freeing up more men for service in the front line;
  • The first party of 14 women arrived on the Western Front on 31 March 1917;
  • Eventually, 9,000 women served with the unit in France.

Men of Britain! Will you stand this?

Will you stand this?

This poster aims to encourage British men to enlist.

A young girl carrying a child is standing outside the rubble of the house.

The text provides information about the family killed in this house and how many women and children had been killed by the German raids.

The White Feather

It was founded in 1914. The women in the group went around the streets giving white feathers (a symbol of cowardice) to any young men who were not wearing a uniform.

THE WHITE FEATHER

What's "censorship"?

Censorship is the action of blocking something from being read, heard, or seen. To "censor" means removing or hiding something because it contains information that someone wishes to keep secret.

CENSORSHIP

How information was censored?

The government and military authorities censored all information in several ways:

  • news of military defeats and casualty figures were manipulated to conceal the truth;
  • only official army photographers were allowed to take photos at the front;
  • stories of heroism were greatly exaggerated: for example, troops were described as marching into battle "cheering and singing";
  • the enemy was depicted as brutal and vicious

Topic 3

WAR POETS

Chart

Chart

Timeline

Timeline

YEAR

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