World War I and The Art of War

Posters and Propaganda

The poster reads 'Surely you with fight for your king and come along, boys, before it is too late'

This poster features King George V, the king of the United Kingdom during World War I (image courtesy of the Library of Congress).

Propaganda is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause.”

Propaganda takes several forms: it can be a celebrity endorsing a product, an advertisement on television or in the newspaper, a sign in the neighbor's yard supporting a politician, a political cartoon, just about anything! During World War I, the majority of propaganda from all sides was in the form of posters. Posters were popular and the artists' designs were eye-catching and easily reprinted. Posters could also reach several people in multiple locations.

These posters encouraged people to be informed and get involved in the war effort. They asked men to join armed forces and women to join relief organizations. They inspired people to buy bonds and help others around the world. The posters helped generate a real fear of the enemy, and helped raise support for the war in several countries and on all sides. The following are some examples of posters issued from the Allied and Central powers governments.

Allied Powers Propaganda Posters

A poster with a man swimming in the waves. The text reads 'It is nice in the surf but what about the men in the trenches. Go and help.'

Australian poster encouraging enlistment (image courtesy of the Library of Congress).

Poster of a Red Cross nurse dressed in white standing with her arms open in front of wounded soldiers and other nurses. The French and Red Cross flags fly in the background.

British poster seeking donations for the French Red Cross (image courtesy of the Library of Congress).


Central Powers Propaganda Posters

A dark illustration of a German soldier pointing at the viewer

Translation: “You, too, should join the Reichswehr. Therefore, sign up at the next enlistment post, Reichswehr-Gruppen-Kommando no. 4 (Bavarian), Möhl, Major General” (image courtesy of the Library of Congress).