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Definition of Propaganda
The exact meaning of propaganda is constantly debated. Some think that it is any persuasive communication, while others think it is specifically to alter political opinions. Regardless, it is agreed upon that propaganda is communication for the purpose of persuasion. -
Origin of Propaganda
Propagnda has been in existence for an extremelly long time. In fact, the earliest evidence of deliberate propaganda can be traced back to the times of ancient Greece. However, the growth of propaganda has increased dramatically during the past few centuries. -
Rise of Propaganda
Propaganda in the past was typically spread simply as "word of mouth". That changed a few centuries ago, though. With the invention of the Printing Press, propaganda would soon be spread in a different way--and much faster. -
The Invention of the Printing Press
The printing press was invented in 1843. This invention made printing books and posters easier and quicker than before, which would make it easier to communicate with large crowds. With new methods of communication on the rise, new methods of spreading propaganda was rising also. -
Posters
Many posters were printed, and many people could easily be exposed to them. Posters could be found anywhere--on the bus, walking down the road, or in grocery stores. They would prove to be a very useful tool in the spread of propaganda. -
Words: Only Part of How a Poster Can Display Propaganda
Many companies and people create posters that will clearly state what their purpose/opinion is, perhaps in hopes of having people agree with them. Slogans and catchy sayings are used to persuade people to use certain products or to side with a certain opinion. But are words the only things on posters that can promote propaganda? -
Pictures: A Compliment to Propaganda-Promoting Words
Though words area big part of propaganda, images can also be a very influential as far as propaganda goes. Have you ever heard the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words"? A picture can give much meaning and definition to the word(s) it is depicting, sometimes even more meaning than the word(s) would ever have if presented alone. -
Posters: how they were used by propagandists.
If you are walking somewhere-- down a road, in a hall, or in a store-- and you see a poster that is very attention-grabbing, would you take a moment to look it over? Most people would, and many propagandists knew that. They began to make posters that were sure to grab many people's attention and put their opinions on them, which was their way of getting a message across to many people. -
Propaganda and the Printing Press
The printing press was not created specifically to make spreading propaganda easier. Yet, that's exactly what it did. New ideas and opinions could be printed on many more posters and in many more books. -
Propaganda in WWII: the text
During World War II, the Germans werre encouraged to maintain a strict blackout. One poster (in German) proclaimed, "The enemy sees your light!" The bottom of the poster held a word that warned them to darken their windows. -
Propaganda in WWII: the enemy
After examining the person at the bottom, we should consider the strange aircraft in the middle of the poster. The skeloton that seems to be attached to the plane appears to be holding a bomb--an absolute symbol of death. A frightening image like this one is used to persuade people to keep lights off at night. -
Propaganda Poster in WWII Summary:
Even though the "enemy" aircraft looks terrifying, it can still be defeated. It you keep your lights out like you are supposed to, the enemy can't find you. Then we'll be able to find the enemy, defeat them, and we can win the war. <-- and that is the overall message of the whole poster. -
Propaganda Poster: The Nazi Party
When we think of the Nazi party today, many of us think about Hitler and the mistreatment of Jews. But before the Nazi's were associated with evil, they were depicted as a "family oriented" political party in many posters. -
Propaganda in WWII: the lit doorway
On the same poster, two specific things can and should be noted about the background picture. First we should notice the person near the bottom of the poster in the lit doorway. That piece of the image shows an example of how "the enemy " would be able to see their lights (which is why they need to be turned off.) -
Propaganda in WWII: the enemy is vulnerable
Though the image of the skeleton plane with a bomb may be scary at first, a second look at it (along with its details) may change your opinion, as you will see that the enemy is actually vulnerable.The downward angle of the plane and the smoke coming from it give the impression that the plane has been strcuk and is about to crash. A crashing plane--or one that is damaged-- shows weakness, which gives the people hope that the enemy may not be able to harm them . -
Propaganda Poster: Nazis Safeguard the People
During a campaign in , the Nazi party wanted to portray itself as a group that really had positive values and good intentions. One poster showed a happy family being protected by an eagle's wings. This image gave the Nazi Party a good, wholesome appearance and made many want to support the Nazi Party. -
Propaganda: The Conclusion
To conclude, propaganda is everywhere. It may not always be 'in your face',-- as it can be very subtle-- but it is everywhere. From newspapers and posters to the television and the internet, propaganda is EVERYWHERE and it affects everyone. Know what you're looking at! -
Propaganda Posters
After the printing press was invented, many different groups began to make posters to persuade people to agree with their opinion. Today, many companies still make posters to gain the favor of many people. However, posters and books are no longer the main way to spread propaganda. -
Propaganda: Television
Many people watch television. Not everyone enjoys watching the news, but there are commercials on every channel. Some of them are very entertaining, look interesting, or can attract attention in many other ways that can make people want to use their product or share their opinion. -
Propaganda: The Internet
The internet is also very big on propaganda. Anyone can put anything on the internet. On social networking sites, people can post their opinions about certain things, say what's on their minds, and promote certain products and people in order to get fame. Companies also post ads on multiple websites to get the audience to buy their products or support their cause.