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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

War time propaganda: American posters of the Great War

This lesson correlates with students' study of the World War I period. In particular, students will examine wartime propaganda, in the form of posters that appeared on the home front digitized in the Documenting the American South's North Carolina and the Great War collection.

A lesson plan for grades 8 and 11–12 Social Studies

By Kathryn Sansbury

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  • 4-H on the home front: In this lesson plan, secondary students will analyze a variety of primary source textual materials to investigate how young rural people were encouraged to support the war effort during World War II.
  • Confederate Currency: An Inflation Simulation: Using primary sources from the Documenting the American South collection, this lesson provides a brief simulation of inflation during the Civil War while introducing students to issues faced on the home front.
  • Civil War Journals: Integrates creative writing with social studies and enhances knowledge of the effects of the Civil War on people.

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Learning outcomes

Students will be able to identify propaganda related to World War and discuss its impact on society.

Students will learn more about issues related to the American war effort between 1914 and 1918.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

15 minutes

Materials/resources

Copies of the WWI poster handout.

Technology resources

Internet access and a LCD projector

Pre-activities

As a class, determine a working definition of propaganda which includes its purposes and uses.

Activities

Display any number of posters for the class via the Internet connected to a LCD project or on pre-created overheads. Have students complete the handout as they view the posters. Note: The handout has a space for 6 posters.

Assessment

Collect the handouts for a daily, participation grade and/or return to the original definition of propaganda and engage students in a class discussion.

Supplemental information

Ask students to bring in examples of current day propaganda.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 8

  • Goal 5: The learner will evaluate the impact of political, economic, social, and technological changes on life in North Carolina from 1870 to 1930.
    • Objective 5.06: Describe North Carolina's reaction to the increasing United States involvement in world affairs including participation in World War I, and evaluate the impact on the state's economy.

Grades 11–12 — United States History

  • Goal 8: The Great War and Its Aftermath (1914-1930) - The learner will analyze United States involvement in World War I and the war's influence on international affairs during the 1920's.
    • Objective 8.03: Assess the political, economic, social, and cultural effects of the war on the United States and other nations.