Critical Inquiry of Propaganda Posters from World War I

Students will examine posters from World War I to determine the use of propaganda. The posters reflect economics, patriotism, environmental issues, recruitment, fear, and investment. The primary sources, found in Documenting the American South (UNC-CH Libraries), provides a wide array of posters.

A lesson plan for grade 8 Social Studies

By Paulette Scott

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Learning outcomes

Students should learn that posters do not always carry a simple message, but can be subtle and aggressive. Students should realize that governments use posters in varying ways. This lesson also helps with student literacy and enhances their ability use a critical eye.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

1 day

Materials/resources

Teacher-made template in order for students to complete chart
Articles from the TAR HEEL JUNIOR HISTORIAN
“Introduction: NC in WWI” by R. Jackson Marshall p.1-2
“The Approaching War” by Sarah McColloh Lemmon p.3-5
“Support from the Home Front” by Richard L. Zuber p.9-13
“Thousands of Miles from Home” by John Lee Bumgarner p.16-17
Images - Propaganda posters from Documenting the American South

Technology resources

Internet access, computer lab

Pre-activities

Students will have needed to study the causes of WW I
Students will need to know why the US became involved in this global war

Activities

1. Students will read articles from the TAR HEEL JUNIOR HISTORIAN related to WW I
2. Teachers will brainstorm with students the definitions of propaganda and how it has been used historically; students should be able to distinguish different types of propaganda.
3. The teacher will give instructions as to how the chart should be completed.
4. The teacher will explain how to use the Docsouth website and exactly how to get to posters.
5. Students will select five posters from the website. Each poster should reflect a different slant (environmental,economic,patriotism,etc.)Students will use information and inference to fill in the chart (I recommend using a block schedule or use two days to complete the lesson)
6. Students should then be asked to share findings with the class

Assessment

The chart will be used as assessment determining whether or not students grasped an understanding of the concepts reflected in each selected poster

Supplemental information

Refer to textbook for understanding of the causes of WW I
Posters can be enlarged for better detail
NC Museum of History (for Tar Heel Junior Historian)

Related websites

“Propaganda Posters” Created by Libby Chenault
http://docsouth.unc.edu/wwi/posters.html

Comments

Less focus has been placed on this significant global war in the middle level grades. Study of the times also gives basic information as to causes of WW II. Documenting the American South has a wealth of resources related to WW I. Students who are war buffs will be fascinated. Students could also work in pairs, especially if technnology is lmited at your school.