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Below is a collection of propaganda posters, documents, and images. Related to the anti-German propaganda used during the First World War. Many of these works were based on real-world events, such as the actions of the German military in Belgium or the sinking of ships by U-boats. Much of this work is what would become known as atrocity propaganda. The German soldiers are often depicted as blood-soaked apes, engaging in the mutilation of children. Many of these events were based on reports that are still the subject of much debate today concerning their historical veracity. To a contemporary audience, many of the pieces of works below will likely seem “dramatic” or “ridiculous”. Something to keep in mind, however. These are some of the earliest instances of propaganda in its modern form. That was shown to an audience that was statistically much more trusting of their government.
Destroy This Mad Brute Propaganda Poster
This poster from 1917 was utilized by the U.S. Army to encourage enlistment in the First World War. The poster depicts an ape wearing picklehaube and carrying an unconscious woman. Much of the propaganda around this era. Revolved around the supposed inherently militaristic and violent nature of the German character, hence them being depicted as an ape with a club.
Remember Belgium Propaganda Poster
This poster depicts a young woman being dragged by a German soldier. Flames rage in the background. Well, the words "remember Belgium" are printed clearly at the top. The U.S. government utilized this poster to motivate its citizenry to support their effort in WW1 by buying victory bonds. The poster references supposed German war crimes in Belgium, a frequent subject of propaganda posters.
The Question Mark Propaganda Poster
This is a propaganda poster created by the Australian government. It depicts the German nation personified as an ape wearing a pickelhaub. The ape is shown stretching his bloody hands across the world. The purpose, of said poster was to communicate the message that the warlike Germans were intent on world domination. Therefore, it was necessary for all nations, even those far from the conflict, to join the fight.
Once a German Always a German Propagnda Poster
This poster depicts a German in a variety, of different circumstances. One of the images shows a German bayoneting an infant. This is one of the more gruesome instances of atrocity propaganda. This British WW1 propaganda poster's purpose. Was to attempt to convince people not to buy German products or hire German workers. The poster attempts to do this by communicating to the audience. The character of a German remains the same. No matter where they are.
Boys! Remember Nurse Cavell Propaganda Poster
This was a propaganda poster utilized by the Australian government during the First World War. It depicts several German soldiers looking derisively at a dead Nurse while the figure of Justice judges them; the poster references nurse Cavell. Who was executed by the German government due to an accusation of spying. Her death was a frequent topic of propaganda posters. It was used to inflame public passions against Germany.
The Bryce Report
The Bryce Report was named after its chairman. Its purpose was to report on alleged German war crimes in Belgium. The report accused the German military of engaging in such actions as the torture and mutilation of children. However, there is much historical debate even today over the veracity of these reports. They were a frequent subject for propaganda posters.
Comittee of Public information
The Committee of Public Information was a U.S. government agency designed to influence American public opinion toward the country's involvement in the First World War. It employed the use of newspapers, posters, and films. To assist in this endeavor. The agency has long remained controversial due to its use of misinformation. As well as atrocity propaganda.
Sinking of The Llandovery Castle Propaganda Poster
This poster depicts a soldier shaking his fist at a German U-Boat. Well, he holds a dead nurse. Its purpose was meant to inspire Canadian citizens to buy war bonds. This poster, in particular, depicts the sinking of the Llandovery Castle. A Canadian hospital ship. In response to a British blockade. During certain periods of the war, Germany had a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. Such attacks were popular subjects for propaganda works. Perhaps the most notable of these was the sinking of the Lusitania.