Wartime Propaganda in the First World War

Introduction

• Presenter: Indy Neidell
• Topic: Propaganda during the First World War
• Purpose: To keep national morale high, create hatred for the enemy, and manipulate public opinion using propaganda.

Historical Context of Propaganda

• Julius Caesar: Used writings to influence public opinion against Roman aristocrats.
• 19th Century Mass Media: Enabled widespread dissemination of information through newspapers, telegraph, and telephone.
• War Correspondents: Increased presence from Crimean War to American Civil War.

Components of Wartime Propaganda

1. Front Propaganda: Boosts morale among troops and weakens enemy morale.
2. Homefront Propaganda: Targets domestic population.
3. Foreign Propaganda: Counters enemy propaganda abroad.

Techniques of Propaganda

• Dehumanization: Enemy likened to animals to create hatred.
• Censorship: Control over media to maintain narrative.
• War Bonds: Economic support for war efforts.

German Propaganda

• Early Start: Established apparatus at war's start.
• Censorship: Press freedom abolished; heavy censorship.
• Foreign Propaganda: Highlighted British naval blockade.
• Home Propaganda Success: Effective in economic support via war bonds.
• Cultural Focus: Promoted German culture as superior.
• Long-term Effects: Post-war feelings of betrayal; "stab in the back" myth.

British Propaganda

• Slow Start: Became effective over time.
• Wellington House: Secretly established for subtle influence.
• Public Figures: Writers like Kipling used to influence opinion.
• Recruitment: Ineffective; led to conscription.
• Enemy Propaganda Department: Effective anti-German efforts.
• Media Use: Monopoly on transatlantic cables.

US Propaganda

• Creel Committee: Formed to shift US opinion in favor of war.
• Four Minute Men: Delivered speeches nationwide.
• Media Relations: Faced backlash over false information.

Anecdotes and Additional Propaganda

• Censorship Humor: Czech painter Jan Koniupäk’s letters censored for content and penmanship.
• Focus on British and German Propaganda: Due to developed organizations and available information.

Conclusion

• Future Topics: Will discuss cinema propaganda in another episode.
• Call to Action: Encouragement to research propaganda's impact on emotions and beliefs.
• Further Viewing: Links to related content on Edith Cavell and propaganda posters.

• Additional Resources: Follow on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and visuals.