What is Propaganda?

Propaganda manipulates the mind of the audience. This can be done by provocation or plain brain washing patriotism. It is usually advertised through media and is portrayed with various techniques. However, the various forms of propaganda are still effective in influencing the majority. Although highly debated on what the correct or actual definition of propaganda is, essentially it is persuading the public to shift its view towards one particular opinion.

In World War 1, propaganda was used to help gather support for the soldiers. It was used to also recruit soldiers by either appealing to their patriotism or pressuring them by using society’s opinions and by their own family.  The government wanted to portray the war as a place to gain notoriety and glory. Many men were lured into enlisting because of their ambition and also due to peer-pressure.

Anyone and everyone who saw the posters and advertisements of propaganda were influenced.

The various techniques of propaganda created different aspects to look at the war from. And because of these many men were recruited due to their own personal reasons. Most men who participated in the war were there for their own reasons. Some of these included trying to prove their masculinity. The idea of war incited adventure as well. Soldiers who came home alive were paid well and had stories both pitiful and heroic. Reputation and wealth was another reason men were (and still are) tempted to go to war.

Propaganda in World War 1 furthermore portrayed families to be proud of fathers and sons fighting in the war. Here is an example in poster form.