Creating War Propaganda

Suggested Grades

Students will analyze propaganda techniques used during war time by designing their own propaganda poster.

Explain what propaganda is (“Information or ideas methodically spread to promote or injure a cause, movement, nation, etc.”- Random House Webster’s College Dictionary)
Show examples of war-time propaganda posters.
Point out the propaganda techniques used.
- Bandwagon: persuading people to do something by letting them know others are doing it.
- Testimonial: using the words of a famous person to persuade you.
- Transfer: using the names or pictures of famous people, but not direct quotations.
- Repetition: a name is repeated at least four times.
- Emotional words: words that will make you feel strongly about someone or something.
Also point out the colours and the issues dealt with (eg. conscription, war-bonds, community cooperation, “the enemy”).
Students design and create their posters, focusing on their ‘angle’.
Display posters and have class discussion on techniques and content used
Variations: Students create a war-time propaganda video, radio broadcast or newspaper article.