Download Propaganda

Mrs. Farris
APUSH
Name: _______________________________
Date: ________________________________
Propaganda: American Style!
Introduction
How did an overwhelmingly isolationist nation (over 75% in a late 1941 poll) that had no interest in
getting involved in World War II (even though all of Europe with the exception of Great Britain had
already been conquered by the Nazis, and much of Asia by Japan) swiftly turn into an almost 100% prowar country?
The easy answer is the attack on Pearl Harbor, of course. Thousands of Americans were lined up at draft
boards, ready to enlist in the military the very next day.
However, the full answer is somewhat more complex. As you know, one of the primary ways that
governments convince and persuade its citizens is through the use of propaganda.
We learned about propaganda techniques during our study of World War I (Committee on Public
Information, etc). We also watched part of Triumph of the Will and saw the power and influence of Nazi
propaganda over the minds of the citizens of Germany.
The US government had an extensive, well-organized propaganda machine of its own during WWII. The
US government utilized film, music, newspapers, and poster art to present its message to the public. This
mission was carried out through the Office of War Information, which was created early in 1942,
shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
For homework, you will acquaint yourself with the techniques of American propaganda during WWII by
completing the activity below. On Thursday, you will hand in your answers and come to the front of the
room to share your analysis of one of your favorite posters.
PROPAGANDA POSTER ART
Step 1: Take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the various techniques that were used.
o
The 7 main propaganda techniques identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in
1938 are: bandwagon, card stacking, glittering generalities, name calling, plain folks,
testimonial, and transfer. Read page 4 of this assignment and look at this link to read
about them and other popular propaganda techniques: http://quizlet.com/5435505/7types-of-propaganda-techniques-flash-cards/ . You do not have to write anything down
here but you may want to print out the info so you have it next to you when you’re
examining the propaganda posters.
Step 2: WWII propaganda poster analysis.

Read the 7 categories listed below. Choose 5 categories to work with. Search through
the WWII posters and find 5 different posters that can fit into categories that you’ve
chosen to work with (1 per category so you should have 5 posters total).

Cut and paste each poster into the spaces provided.

Answer the analysis questions in about 3-5 complete, thoughtful sentences.
Online Sources for WWII Posters:
http://digital.library.northwestern.edu/wwii-posters/ (You’ll need to search for a topic like “United
States,” etc)
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/powers_of_persuasion_home.html
http://americanhistory.si.edu/victory/index.htm
http://womenshistory.about.com/library/pic/bl_p_wwii_posters_index.htm
Choose 5 of the 7 categories below to work with:
1. Appeal to American men:
A. Paste the image of a poster here:
B. Identify and describe the specific propaganda techniques that are used in this poster. Explain
the overall message of this poster, and what makes it a particularly dynamic, memorable, and
effective example of propaganda.
2. Appeal to American women:
A. Paste the image of a poster here:
B. Identify and describe the specific propaganda techniques that are used in this poster. Explain
the overall message of this poster, and what makes it a particularly dynamic, memorable, and
effective example of propaganda.
3. Appeal to African Americans:
A. Paste the image of a poster here:
B. Identify and describe the specific propaganda techniques that are used in this poster. Explain
the overall message of this poster, and what makes it a particularly dynamic, memorable, and
effective example of propaganda.
4. Ask civilians to sacrifice or change their everyday behavior for the war effort:
A. Paste the image of a poster here:
B. Identify and describe the specific propaganda techniques that are used in this poster. Explain
the overall message of this poster, and what makes it a particularly dynamic, memorable, and
effective example of propaganda.
5. Instill fear in the minds of Americans:
A. Paste the image of a poster here:
B. Identify and describe the specific propaganda techniques that are used in this poster. Explain
the overall message of this poster, and what makes it a particularly dynamic, memorable, and
effective example of propaganda.
6. Explains American values, ideals, and goals, and our heroic reasons for fighting the war:
A. Paste the image of a poster here:
B. Identify and describe the specific propaganda techniques that are used in this poster. Explain
the overall message of this poster, and what makes it a particularly dynamic, memorable, and
effective example of propaganda.
7. Demonize the enemy and make them look like evil, inhuman monsters:
A. Paste the image of a poster here:
B. Identify and describe the specific propaganda techniques that are used in this poster. Explain
the overall message of this poster, and what makes it a particularly dynamic, memorable, and
effective example of propaganda.
Propaganda Techniques
You should always be aware of the various propaganda techniques being used constantly to influence the
way you act, what you buy, what you care about, and what you believe. Here is a short list of common
techniques used.
1. Name-calling: Words are used against a person or an idea. Negative terms like “Communist
radicals,” “corrupt government officials,” “man-hating feminist radicals,” “Democrats favoring tax
increases,” or “war-mongering Republicans” are used.
2. Glittering generalities: In order to make you think positively about a person or an idea, this technique
uses glowing, positive terms without any real evidence to support the idea. “Reelect Senator
Schumer, because he is a friend of the working man.”
3. Plain folks appeal: This technique is used to create a common image- that the candidate is just like
you or me. “He’s one of us.”
4. Bandwagon appeal: “Everyone is doing it.” This is a popular technique used to appeal to the average
person’s desire to conform.
5. Card-stacking: In this technique, only the facts that will make the public react in the desired way are
included. Anything that is contradictory is ignored or suppressed. In a totalitarian state, the
government will only print the “official” version of events- the version that the government wants the
people to know about.
6. Endorsement and testimonials: “Michael Jordan wears Nikes.” A well-known person is used to
support a claim.
7. Personal appeal: An idea or a product is sold to you not based on its merits, but on the way that the
product or idea may affect your self-image or play upon your fears. “Support the war to make the
world safe for democracy.”
8. Loaded words: Descriptive or emotionally-charged words are sometimes carefully selected in order to
influence your opinions and actions. Antiwar demonstrators could be labeled “agitators” or “peaceful
demonstrators,” depending on the person telling the story.
9. Misleading numbers: Statistics and numbers are often manipulated to give a particular image or
opinion. “Two out of three doctors recommend…”
10. Stereotyping: This technique is used to generically describe people or groups of people in relation to
an already identified type or image. “She’s a typical teenager.” “All people in this city are racist.”
“Democrats are big spenders.”
The use of propaganda began during World War I and grew in the 1920s, when it became a huge industry.
Many people believed that the “public mind” could be regimented and controlled through the use of
propaganda. The word “propaganda” fell out of use after it became associated with Hitler and Mussolini
and fascism. Today, you might refer to it as “public relations” or “advertising.” However, it still exists
and thrives today in many forms. Be aware of the messages that you absorb every day!