How was propaganda used in World War One? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

What is propaganda?

Propaganda is a tool used to shape people's opinions and emotions in a specific direction. During the war, stories were spread about German atrocities to stir anger and fear, rallying support for Britain’s war efforts. However, many of these stories were false, and Germany circulated similar tales about Britain.

Why did it matter?

Public opinion was critical during the war. The government needed to recruit large numbers of soldiers and relied on public support to sustain the war effort.

How were posters used?

Posters were designed to make joining the army seem thrilling and appealing. Some urged men to enlist by emphasizing duty, promising pride for those who joined and suggesting shame or embarrassment for those who didn’t. A famous poster featuring Lord Kitchener’s face was used to encourage men to sign up for the army. Kitchener, a prominent figure, died when his ship struck a German mine.

What did newspapers report?

Initially, journalists were banned from reporting directly from the Western Front. Some, like Basil Clarke, found covert ways to reach the front, such as hiding on a train with French soldiers. By April 1915, the ban was lifted, allowing select journalists to report from the battlefield. The British public was eager for news about the war, but the government passed laws to prevent newspapers from publishing details that could aid the enemy or demoralize the public.

How did reporting change?

In August 1916, a groundbreaking British film about The Battle of the Somme was shown in cinemas. While some scenes were staged, most of the footage was authentic. Within six weeks, around one million people watched it. The film gave the public their first glimpse of soldiers in trenches, artillery fire, and wounded men. Reporting and filming from the front allowed people to see the realities of the war, which was both distressing and enlightening for the public.