Chapter 10: Expansionism and World War I "Wartime Propaganda"

Introduction In 1917 President Wilson said of the nation's mobilization for World War I, "It is not an army that we must shape and train for war, it is a nation." Wilson's mission was to prepare Americans for the sacrifices that the war would demand. While many progressives supported America's involvement in the war, some intellectuals and labor organizers were still voicing their dissent. To quiet their opposition and to unite all Americans in the war effort, Wilson created a government agency to distribute a massive American propaganda campaign. The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was given the task of promoting patriotism and instilling the idea that America's involvement in the war, and citizens' cooperation at home, signaled the ultimate act of selflessness. At this Web site, you can view some of the CPI posters and evaluate the techniques used to "train" the nation for war. Destination Title: The Great War Posters Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the The Great War Posters Web site. Browse through the site, taking notes as you go. To zoom in on the image of a poster, click on the icon. Use your "Back" browser button to return to the index page. After you have read through the information, answer the following questions. 1. Describe the different messages of the posters and the actions they are meant to inspire. 2. Identify the different audiences to which the posters appeal. 3. How do the posters use symbols, colors, and shapes to send messages? 4. Explain how the posters helped Wilson's administration "shape" the nation's opinion of the war. 5. Imagine that your school is preparing an exhibit of these posters to be displayed in your school's library. On a separate sheet of paper, prepare an exhibit brochure that describes a few of the posters' themes, messages, and impacts.