British Journalist
You have chosen to be the editor of a popular British daily newspaper during
WWII. For the British, WWII brought the first attack on their soil for
almost two centuries. The reaction to the attack by British citizens was not
unlike the reaction of American citizens after the catastrophic events of
9/11/01. Nazi Germany's dictator Adolph Hitler had a plan called "Operation
Sea Lion", the aim of which was not to conquer Britain, but rather to take
away the ability to fight from the British.
Britains everywhere around you are terrified. Every night the German
Luftwaffe (equivalent of the American Air Force) bomb British cities, while
Britains huddle in masses underground. The people are demoralized. They want
the war to end. Some seek appeasement with Hitler. Others believe Britain
has no business trying to protect other countries from Hitler at the expense
of its own citizens.
Your boss has hired you to find an image of Propaganda against the Germans
which will raise the spirits of the people, make them feel anger towards the
Germans and therefore strengthen the will of the people to fight on. You
must choose the best image you can find to demonize the enemy and/or imply
that the British cause in the war is a righteous one. Your boss (the chief
editor of the newspaper) tells you that your job depends on this assignment!
He says you must take it seriously and make your decision only after long
deliberation and reflection on the effects of your choice!!
Below is a list of links that provide Propaganda for Britain during WWII.
Some include propaganda for other countries as well. But each of them will
give you supportive images and information for the role you've chosen. Good
luck! The morale of your country is at stake!
Links for WWII British Propaganda
Weapons On The Wall - This link will bring you to a site that has British
Propaganda Posters in many different categories - morale, security and
health to name a few. Over three dozen posters to peruse...
Weapons On The Wall
British Wartime Posters - This link provides a wide variety of posters
pinned on walls all over Britain during WWII. Some warn against the German
enemy, others against the Japanese - and some against both. Some admonish
Britains to buy war bonds to keep the hands of the enemy from touching their
loved ones (wife and children). How do you think that was used to threaten
the insecurity of the average British male citizen? Scroll down to the link
that says "British Posters".
British Wartime Posters - Various
British Navy At War Propaganda - This entertaining link has a theme song as
soons as you arrive. Here you'll find war propaganda posters which
encouraged support of the war back home, and sometimes, for the British Navy
specifically...
British Navy Propaganda
War Posters Collection - Enter the Search term "British", "England"
or "Great Britain", then choose the WWII category and you will find multiple
anti-German and anti-Japanese posters
British War Posters Collection
The Villification of Enemy Leadership in WWII - This link provides various
forms of propaganda, including novelty games and Hitler stamps, all created
by the Allied Powers in WWII, and all intended to ridicule, demonize or
dehumanize the leaders of the Axis Powers, including Emperor Hirohito,
Hitler and Mussolini. This link also provides in-depth background
information about the purpose of this particular form of propaganda
The Villification of Enemy Leadership in WWII
Other Resources for British Propaganda
Check your local public library or school library for the following titles,
which can give you background information on British Propaganda:
"To Win The Peace: British Propaganda in the United States During WWII" by
Susan A. Brewer
"Persuading The People: British Government Information in WWII" by Anthony
Osley
"Propaganda and Persuasion" by Garth S. Jowett