World War One Propaganda

The “Rape of Belgium” in 1914

“The Crucified Canadian”
The (London) Times, Monday, May 10, 1915
Torture of a Canadian Officer
Last week a large number of Canadian soldiers wounded in the
fighting round Ypres arrived at the base hospital at Versailles. They
all told a story of how one of their officers had been crucified by the
Germans. He had been pinned to the wall by bayonets thrust
through his hands and feet, another bayonet had been driven
through his throat, and, finally, he was riddled with bullets.

“Sinking of the Lusitania”
by a German U-Boat in 1915

“The Zimmerman
Telegram”
Intercepted in 1917

Keys to Propaganda
“All propaganda must be so popular and on such an intellectual level, that even the most
stupid of those toward whom it is directed will understand it!”
“Through clever and constant application of propaganda, people can be made to see
paradise as hell, and to consider the most wretched sort of life as paradise.”
“Never mind whether it is plausible or not. The victor will not be asked, later on,
whether he told the truth or not.”
Adolf Hitler
Propaganda Methodology
Name Calling: “Huns, Japs, Nips, Nazis”
Fear: Creating a strong emotional message
Transfer: Using symbols to represent ideologies
Testimonials: Quotes or statements from leaders or heroes
Euphemisms: “National Service” instead of “Fighting or Killing the Enemy”
Glittering Generalities: “Liberty or Victory” associated with “Loyalty or Production”