WWI Poster Analysis

1. I would define propaganda as images or information used to influence people towards a certain view point.

2. The definition for propaganda according to dictionary.com is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

4. In the first image, my eye is initially drawn to the bright red cross in the top left corner. The red cross seems to be symbolizing that is a god, since it is surrounded by light from behind the clouds. My eye is drawn to this because of its bright color, and because of the light shining behind it. Then my eye goes towards "the mother" wearing the red cross uniform, sitting with her hand reaching out and a child in her lap. This draws my attention second because of the sad looks on their faces and her bright colored uniform. They are also placed in front of what appears to be men riding horses.

5. I believe this the artist hoped that this image would encourage women or mothers to join the red cross and help the wounded men from war. I believe this was also to tell women that they can be more than just a stay at home mom.

6. This poster is targeted towards mothers because it says on the poster "Our Greatest Mother" and the lady is shown holding a child.

4. In the second image, my eye is drawn to the yellow door with the word "opportunity" written on it. I am drawn to this because of its bright red writing, but also because a woman nurse is holding it open. My eye is then drawn to the rolled up piece of paper in her hand. I assume this piece of paper is a degree from college because of in the distance behind her, there appear to be school buildings. I'm drawn to this because she appears proud and ready to work as she is coming through the door of opportunity.

5. I believe the artist hoped that women would be inspired to go to school and get a degree because then they will have unlimited opportunities of things to do. I believe, just like in the first image, that this is telling women that they can have a different job than just being a stay at home mother.

6. This poster is targeted for young women because it shows a woman just getting out of college ready to go to work.

4. In the third image, my eye is drawn to the woman messing with the radio with the headset on. I'm drawn to this because the image is focused in on her, and because she stands out from the group of men in the background.

5. I believe the artists intentions were to encourage women to go be a part of the war and that they too could help. Even though they could not fight, they could still help the men who were out fighting. I think this was intended to make them feel like they also had power like the men.

6. This image was also intended for young women who wanted to be a part of the war or wanted to strive for power. You can tell because it shows a woman on the radio with the soldiers walking behind her. She is contributing to the war along with the men.

7. I am not extremely comfortable with the government using tax dollars to try and convince me of something because I would rather come up with ideas on my own and not be told how, or what to do.
I do not want the government to have control over what I think or want to do.

8. I believe the government felt it was necessary to invest in propaganda during WWI because they needed people to volunteer and if they were unaware of the opportunity, or didn't have the little push of inspiration, then people may have never volunteered.