The Use Of Propaganda During World War One

Propaganda was a very common and successful technique during the second world war, which is where both poster 1 and 2 are from. Both of these propaganda posters use a variety of persuasive tools and techniques to have an influence on the audience. These techniques include symbolic, written and technical codes which are successful in presenting image that is going to shock or persuade an audience into taking action.

The purpose of propaganda is to control the audience by sending messages to alter opinions or to persuade others into adopting beliefs, whether it's political, religious or philosophical. The definition of propaganda is spreading information that is especially of a biased nature in order to promote a political cause or point
of view. Propaganda posters frequently combine visual images and written text and uses the manipulation of facts in order to distort the truth. Propaganda is present in our everyday life in the form of advertisements and political speeches. All of these things intend to alter our choices and behaviour, such as to vote for a political party, buy a particular item or give up smoking.

Poster 1 is from The United States during World War 2, it shows three children who appear to be playing in their backyard. The children are surrounded by a shadow in the shape of a Nazi swaskita. The symbolism that is seen in this propaganda poster is what makes it so effective. The swastika shadow that appears to be closing in around the children is representative of Nazi Germany and the threat that they had on the US during the 1940’s.
The shadow is dark and mysterious, suggesting that the Germans will be able to attack the US without their knowledge, this causes fear in the audience.
The boy at the back of the image is wearing a paper sailors hat and also holding up and American flag. The flag that the boy is holding represents America and every person that lives there. This flag is in the hands of the boy, suggesting that if he is defeated by the shadow that is Nazi Germany, then so too will the rest of America. Another example of symbolism in this poster is the taller boy standing at the front. He is holding a US fighter plane toy and is holding back his younger brother. The boy represents American soldiers and his actions suggest that he will grow up to fight for his country. This symbolism is used to shock the audience and also give them a sense of
responsibility.

Poster 2 is from Australia during World War 2 and is similar to poster 1 in that aims to shock the audience. The poster shows Australia and behind it an a Japanese man who appears to be reaching out and grabbing Australia. Much like poster 1, this poster relies heavily on symbolism to convey a message that will implant an idea in the audiences mind or persuade them to take action. An example of symbolism in this poster is the Japanese man reaching out for Australia. During World War 2, Australia was at threat of a Japanese invasion. This image plays with the audience’s emotions because it suggest that the invasion is only an arm’s reach away, this causes a sense of panic in the audience and they are persuaded to take action. The mans facial expression is angry and determined, he also appears to be yelling. His body language suggests that he is ready for battle, he is holding a gun which is symbolic of battle and death. His grip on Australia also appears to be tight and harsh. The mans stance and body language tell the Audience that if the Japanese were to invade they would cause a lot of death and suffering, further adding to the audiences emotional response.
The purpose of poster 1 is to convince the audience to buy war bonds that will help the country to win the war. This message is portrayed to the audience through the use of written techniques. The text at the bottom of the poster says “Don’t let that shadow tough them, buy War Bonds”. This sentence plays with the audience’s emotions as they do not want to see a child be hurt or killed. The emotional appeal makes the reader feel personally responsible for the lives of the children and they are convinced to buy the war bonds in order to save them. The word ‘War Bonds’ is written in a bold yellow font, making it stand out from the rest of the poster and drawing attention to it. The colour yellow is often associated with joy and happiness, giving the audience the idea that buying the war bonds will result in a happy solution.

Poster 2 is similar to poster 1 because it’s purpose is to persuade the audience to feel that they are contributing to their countries victory.
This is achieved through the use of written and technical codes. The text in this propaganda poster uses assertive techniques to present a statement as fact in confident and forceful way. The statement “He’s coming south, stop lockouts, stop strikes. War production must be increased.” demands that the only way to stop the Japanese invasion is to increase war production. “Stop lockouts, stop strikes” is written in a bold red text on the white Australian shape, the contrast in colours makes the text stand out and show its importance. These colours are then reversed in the text at the bottom of the poster, which once again makes it eye catching and shows its importance. The use of the colour red in this poster is symbolic of the battle, blood and death that will occur if the Japanese were to invade. This is seen in the red and white lines behind the Japanese man, however these lines could also represent a sunrise or the Japanese flag. The use of this colour is an effective technical code that makes the poster emotionally provoking to the
audience.

Both poster 1 and 2 are propaganda posters from WW2 that use symbolic, written and technical codes effectively to promote patriotism and persuade the public to help with the war effort in their country. These 2 propaganda posters use the emotions of the audience in order to make them feel personally responsible and inclined to take action in order to win the war which is what makes them both so effective.