"During World War I, the impact of the poster as a means of communication was greater than at any other time during history."
— Library of Congress
The government's use of war posters should not be underestimated. The goal of war posters was to help stir public opinion, where the general public could help either by enlisting or buying war bonds. War posters were used as a psychological weapon targeting the public's emotions, such as shame, guilt, and patriotism. A person's morality was also targeted, drawing a line between good and evil. Therefore, conflict-era messages were a powerful tool that governments used to reach the minds and hearts of the public so they could help in the war effort one way or another.
Mr Gonzalez: "The government's use of war posters should not be underestimated". I presume you mean their effect should not be underestimated. Do you know of any available studies that measured this effect?
Mr. Culross, if you mean the impact that war posters had as a psychological weapon to sway public opinion for government objectives, yes, Phagan, Patricia, and Peter van Alfen, editors. The Art of Devastation: Medals and Posters of the Great War. The American Numismatic Society and The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, 2017.
The Art of Devastation is an engaging and insightful read that anyone interested in the Great War should explore, as it offers a unique perspective on how medals and posters were used not just as art but as powerful tools of propaganda, national identity, and emotional influence during World War I. Once I picked up the hardcover copy that was signed by the editor, it was difficult to put it down.
"During World War I, the impact of the poster as a means of communication was greater than at any other time during history."
ReplyDelete— Library of Congress
The government's use of war posters should not be underestimated. The goal of war posters was to help stir public opinion, where the general public could help either by enlisting or buying war bonds. War posters were used as a psychological weapon targeting the public's emotions, such as shame, guilt, and patriotism. A person's morality was also targeted, drawing a line between good and evil. Therefore, conflict-era messages were a powerful tool that governments used to reach the minds and hearts of the public so they could help in the war effort one way or another.
Beautiful and very effective posters, some messages are relevant to today';s world.
ReplyDeleteMr Gonzalez: "The government's use of war posters should not be underestimated". I presume you mean their effect should not be underestimated. Do you know of any available studies that measured this effect?
ReplyDeleteMr. Culross, if you mean the impact that war posters had as a psychological weapon to sway public opinion for government objectives, yes,
DeletePhagan, Patricia, and Peter van Alfen, editors. The Art of Devastation: Medals and Posters of the Great War. The American Numismatic Society and The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, 2017.
The Art of Devastation is an engaging and insightful read that anyone interested in the Great War should explore, as it offers a unique perspective on how medals and posters were used not just as art but as powerful tools of propaganda, national identity, and emotional influence during World War I. Once I picked up the hardcover copy that was signed by the editor, it was difficult to put it down.
Thank you!
DeleteSorry about the "Anonymous"!
ReplyDeleteWhy does it rush to publish before I get a chance to add my name?! "Brian Culross", in case it does it again!!
ReplyDelete