4.1.10 The Use of Propaganda

Propaganda is the deliberate use of words and/or images to give a certain message. Propaganda is used frequently by governments and other organizations to convince people that a certain idea, policy, or cause is correct or advantageous. It can include deceptive or distorted information that is spread systematically through the media.

German Poster, 1918
Bolshevism brings war, unemployment, and famine. © Association for the Fight against Bolshevism
Courtesy United States Library of Congress
Propaganda is used frequently by totalitarian regimes to convince people to follow them.

Propaganda can be spread through news articles, television reports, posters, speeches, billboards, radio, and the Internet. It can include the written word, moving images, and visual representations.

Both the Nazis and the Soviets were masters of propaganda. Consider the two posters. What messages are they promoting? What techniques are used? What ideological perspectives do they promote?
Soviet Poster, 1930
Proletarians of the world, stand up and fight for the overthrow of Capitalism! Fight for the victory of Communism! Words on helmet:
War Against the USSR
© CCCP State Press, 1930 Courtesy Swarthmore College



Read "Controlling the Population through Propaganda" pages 185 to -186 of your text Perspectives on Ideology.

Complete the tutorial on propaganda here.

For a sample propaganda movie produced by the United States government during the Cold War, check out this video.
  • What techniques are used in the movie to instill a sense of fear?

Armed Forces Information Film Number 5, "How to Spot a Communist", Open Culture, You-tube