World War I Propaganda Posters

In 1917, the United States created the Committee on Public Information (CPI) to "educate" the public on the aims of war, and who the enemy was. One of their greatest tools was propaganda posters, leaflets, pamphlets, and videos designed to sway the public into fighting an complete mental and physical war on Germany. President Wilson said that, "It's not an army we must shape and train for war. It is a nation."

Examine the propaganda posters below and answer the questions. Remember the goal of the artist: to convince you of the horrors of the enemy abroad!

Image 1: Only the Navy Can Stop This

1. Describe the image you see.
2. What's the first thing that "jumps out" to you?
3. What's at the bottom of the picture? (What's he standing over?)

Image 2: Be Patriotic

1. Describe the image you see.
2. Describe "Lady Liberty's" face.
   
3. What's the point of painting her arms stretched out?
   

Image 3: Halt the Hun

1. A "Hun" is a slang or derogatory word for a German. Describe the "physique" of the American soldier (muscles, face, stance, etc.)
   

Image 4: Pvt. Treptow's Pledge

1. This is one of my favorites. What is Pvt. Treptow's pledge? What is is promise to America?
   
2. At the bottom, it reads "Those who are not called upon to die...Subscribe to the Fourth Liberty Loan." What's the message of this propaganda poster?
   

Image 5: Hold Up Your End!

1. Does this poster appeal to men or women? Why?
   
2. What emotion is this poster supposed to stir up in you? Patriotism? Guilt? Fear?
   

Image 6: Destroy This Mad Brute

1. Describe the image you see.
2. On his club, it says "Kultur". What do you think it means (sound it out...)
   
3. In this picture, "Lady Liberty" is half-naked. What is this supposed to suggest to the viewer?
4. This "Mad Brute" is stand on the "edge" of something. What is it?
5. Now, you've seen images of a lot of "Huns" in these posters. How are Germans usually drawn?
   

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Video Clip: Slavery and Death

1. Again, how are the Germans drawn?
   
2. What's the message of this video?