During World War 2, Australia and Great Britain wanted all their available men and women to help win the war. Like the armed services, the people at home needed to change their lives, become flexible and help out by doing their bit too. Both the Australian and British governments used posters, leaflets, films and radio broadcasts to get their messages out to the public. There was no television or internet in those days.
This week we are going to look at propaganda posters from Britain, Australia, and Nazi Germany. These sources show how governments implemented controls over people, encouraging them to do certain things to help out. For example, in Britain people were encouraged to salvage certain materials for the war. They were also warned of the dangers of “careless talk” - discussing any operational matters concerning the war.
Posters were put up in shops and shop windows, council buildings community halls and churches. Different posters were used to put over different messages. For example, the famous British “Dig for Victory” posters were used as the government wanted people to grow their own food during wartime, while the "Bar the Gates with Beauforts was to encourage investment in the manufacture of Beaufort aircraft.
This week culminates in an assessment task where you have to analyse a primary source - a propaganda poster from the war.
To get started, first we need to:
This week we are going to look at propaganda posters from Britain, Australia, and Nazi Germany. These sources show how governments implemented controls over people, encouraging them to do certain things to help out. For example, in Britain people were encouraged to salvage certain materials for the war. They were also warned of the dangers of “careless talk” - discussing any operational matters concerning the war.
Posters were put up in shops and shop windows, council buildings community halls and churches. Different posters were used to put over different messages. For example, the famous British “Dig for Victory” posters were used as the government wanted people to grow their own food during wartime, while the "Bar the Gates with Beauforts was to encourage investment in the manufacture of Beaufort aircraft.
This week culminates in an assessment task where you have to analyse a primary source - a propaganda poster from the war.
To get started, first we need to:
- Remember what is meant by the term 'propaganda' by providing a definition
- Restate the ways in which propaganda is used and how it works, by examining the techniques of propaganda and analysing how they were used in the war
- Apply your knowledge of this technique to a primary source, evaluate its use of techniques, and make a decision about how effective it might have been.
What is 'propaganda'? |
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Task 1. Examining some British propaganda
Look at the four sources to the right (sources 1 - 4) & answer the following questions, using examples from the posters:
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Check your learning using the poster below.
Task 2: What are the elements of propaganda?
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You will view a powerpoint in class, but so you can revise a PDF of the presentation is provided here. View this and take notes on how the techniques were implemented during the war. If the PDF doesn't work here (as Scribd is often blocked), you can download the PPT show on the left.
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Task 3: Apply your knowledge!
Remember that propaganda isn't always bad, negative, evil, or for nefarious purposes. It can be necessary, well-intentioned, and for the greater good. Examine the propaganda poster encouraging investment in War Bonds so the government could protect Australian by building planes that were called Beauforts. Answer the following questions:
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