Geographical/Historical Context

The First World War is considered to be the beginning of governmental propaganda. “Total War” also incorporates propaganda. The mental mobilization of the population was achieved by means of dishes, toys for the children, everyday objects, postcards and images.

In case of all forms of propaganda, it is important to distinguish whether they glorified the own nation or defamed the enemy.

In Germany, the number of propagandistic magazines rose. The magazines with the widest circulation were: “Der Wahre Jacob“ (“The True Jacob”), “Simplicissimus“ and “Fliegende Blätter“ (“Flying Sheets”).

Answer to the Questions

1:

2:

• The German soldier is shown menacingly here; he stands above the woman and the child (soldier as “murderer”)
• Haughty posture
• The German as a barbarian (mobilization of the English people for war)

3:

• Symbol of the cultural nation
• Victory
• Standard in the war

Links

• http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/wk1/propaganda/index.html
• http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/index.htm
• http://www.ww1-propaganda-cards.com/