World War I Poster
Illustrating Total War
This poster is a perfect example of the propaganda spread by the different governments during World War I. "Total War" became an important part of World War I because the war itself depended on it. The people ultimately determined how the war went... they could make it easy or hard for the government. Therefore, the government would distribute posters, such as this one, to try and gain the support of the people.
This poster in particular really caught my attention. For one, the slogan "Sow the Seeds of Victory" is a great example of total war propaganda. It's not only attention-grabbing, but it targets the citizen's sense of patriotism. The beautiful "Lady Liberty" in her flowing patriotic dress is meant to stir any patriot's heart and move them to help with the cause, just as she is doing. As she sows her seeds for the war, she expects all other good, patriotic citizens to do the same so that they too may fulfill their duty to their country.
This is the definition of Total War, and World War I was really the first war to present itself as a total war. Since then, many have tried to gain the support of the people both prior to and during a war. World War II was probably the most effective at doing this, especially in America. Other wars, be they in Europe, the Americas, or the Middle East, also try to follow this same principle of total war. Generally, the more support a government has, the better their soldiers fare. Applying this same principle to today, perhaps America's current War on Terror would not only be more popular, but would have a more positive and quicker outcome.
This poster in particular really caught my attention. For one, the slogan "Sow the Seeds of Victory" is a great example of total war propaganda. It's not only attention-grabbing, but it targets the citizen's sense of patriotism. The beautiful "Lady Liberty" in her flowing patriotic dress is meant to stir any patriot's heart and move them to help with the cause, just as she is doing. As she sows her seeds for the war, she expects all other good, patriotic citizens to do the same so that they too may fulfill their duty to their country.
This is the definition of Total War, and World War I was really the first war to present itself as a total war. Since then, many have tried to gain the support of the people both prior to and during a war. World War II was probably the most effective at doing this, especially in America. Other wars, be they in Europe, the Americas, or the Middle East, also try to follow this same principle of total war. Generally, the more support a government has, the better their soldiers fare. Applying this same principle to today, perhaps America's current War on Terror would not only be more popular, but would have a more positive and quicker outcome.
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