McNickle

The definition of propaganda has been disputed for ages; however, it is typically understood to be an idea or statement that is often fabricated or exaggerated and is widely spread in order to stimulate emotional appeal. As long as humans have been around, various forms of propaganda have been used. Governments often use wartime propaganda to ensure that people only received the information that supported the cause and purpose of the war. People were most commonly persuaded by propaganda through newspaper articles, posters, slogans, pictures, and radio broadcasts. During World War I, Great Britain and the United States of America used propaganda very efficiently in efforts to increase nationalism, gain support and raise money for the war.

One of the main causes of the outbreak of World War I, nationalism, was promoted through propagandistic campaigns. Posters and slogans were created to build this sense of pride in one’s nation. Nationalism, or powerful patriotism towards one’s own country, fueled the idea of superiority amongst the nations on the warfront. Many countries’ egotism in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century led to the belief that if a war were to break out, that specific country would come out victorious in any conflict. This newly developed arrogance increased the chance of war because many countries desired to prove their dominance. However, it was ultimately a downfall for many countries thus leading to World War I, where only one side would win, and the losing countries would suffer enormous casualties and debt.

Great Britain was one of the main countries to use propaganda for the purpose of increasing nationalism. Prior to World War I, Britain joined France and Russia in 1907 to for...

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..., but the money made from war stamps paid interest.

Propaganda played many roles in the long-lasting, expensive war. During World War I, propaganda made a huge, yet relatively unrecognized impact on the war and its outcome. It is a fundamental part of manipulating mass society and altering the public opinion, which is what government leaders relied on during the war. Propaganda, during World War I, was an effective way for countries to increase nationalism, gain support, and raise money. Posters and slogans downgraded opposing countries and helped increase a sense of dominance to fuel the desire to fight. These convincing techniques also persuaded nations that the war was purposeful and that they should continue to fund it. Propaganda has been a crucial part of history for as long as human records date, and it will continue to influence society forever.