Powers of Persuasion--Poster Art of World War II

Guns, tanks, and bombs were the principal weapons of World War II, but there were other, more subtle, forms of warfare as well. Words, posters, and films waged a constant battle for the hearts and minds of the American citizenry just as surely as military weapons engaged the enemy. Persuading the American public became a wartime industry, almost as important as the manufacturing of bullets and planes. The Government launched an aggressive propaganda campaign to galvanize public support, and some of the nation's foremost intellectuals, artists, and film makers became warriors on that front.

Time required:

One to two class periods

Objective:

To analyze poster art of World War II.

Standards correlation:

This lesson correlates to the National Standards for United States History:

Era 8, standard 3C: Demonstrate understanding of the effects of World War II at home.

Standards in Historical Thinking 3 and 5: Historical Analysis and Interpretation and Historical Issues-Analysis and Decision-making.

This lesson also correlates to the National Standards for Civics and Government:

Standard V. E. 1: Evaluate, take, and defend positions on the relationship between politics and the attainment of individual and public goals.

Materials needed:

	Posters from the Powers of Persuasion exhibit in the Online Exhibit Hall
	Poster Analysis Worksheet

Procedures:

1. Make copies of each of the posters and the poster analysis worksheet.

2. Divide the class into 11 groups. Give each group three posters to analyze and the poster analysis worksheet.

3. Allow student groups 15 to 20 minutes to read and analyze their posters. Ask them to complete the poster analysis worksheet and then determine whether their poster sought to motivate the viewer by instilling patriotism, confidence, and a positive outlook, or whether it sought to ward off complacency with grim, unromantic visions of war.

4. Ask a volunteer from each group to describe the content of the group's poster for the class and identify the issues mentioned or implied within.

5. Lead a discussion using the analysis worksheet and the following questions as a guide:

What are the similarities and differences between the posters?

Where do you think these posters were hung?

What emotions do these posters prompt?

Follow up:
Encourage students to create their own World War II poster intended to galvanize public support for the war effort.