Hi, what I need is four propaganda documents from recruitment posters,
political cartoons, photographs and paintings. One document must be
from each of the following periods:
A. The WWI Era, 1914 - 1919
B. The WWII Era, 1939 - 1945
C. The Cold War Era, 1945 - 1990
D. War in the 21'st Century

*Note: There are some conditions to these propaganda documents. 2 of
the 4 must glorify war, and the other 2 must reflect the futility
(pointlessness) of war. For example, a picture or painting of dead
soldiers would reflect futility. However, they must glorify or reflect
futility of war, so documents that are intented to fear or create
shame would not work. Furthermore, there can be no more than 2 types
of the same document, ie. no more than 2 political cartoons, no more
than 2 recruitment posters etc. If possible, please provide some
historical background, or just links to the info, as eventually I will
have to write an essay about them.

**PS: I will need these documents by October 25th/02, anytime after
will be useless for me and I will have to ask for a refund.

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Request for Question Clarification by peggy_bill-ga on 22 Oct 2002 13:30 PDT

Do you need the actual materials?  Or do you just need the images?

---

Clarification of Question by nickwood03-ga on 22 Oct 2002 16:09 PDT

Hi, I will need the images but also some background info. and
historical contex behind the images. thanks!

Dear nickwood03-ga;

I am happy to provide you with the following research results:


***********************************************************************

PERIOD: 	WORLD WAR 2
MESSAGE: 	GLORIFICATION OF WAR
METHOD:	        PROPAGANDA POSTER 	

This World War 2 propaganda poster was painted by artist David Stone
Martin for the Office of War Information in 1942 (Office of War
Information poster, no. 8. 1942. 42 x 28.)
http://www.state.nh.us/ww2/ww60.html

As you can see, three muscular arms, one holding a gun and the others
holding tools, reach upwards toward the sky as if reaching toward God.
The message suggested a number of things to various people depending
upon their interpretation:

-	The muscular arms sent a strong message to the viewer that our good
fortune and good health would give us a distinct advantage in
defeating the enemy.
-	The tools and firearms suggested that the missions of every class of
citizens would be of great (if not equal) value in winning the war and
promoted cooperation between those who went to answer the call of
their country and those who stayed behind to support the war effort.
-	The feminine arm (note the arm on the far right with lace around the
sleeve) sent the undisputable message that the necessity of having
women in more of a technical, hands-on support role was of vital
importance. The woman’s dirty arm is seen, not only beside the men’s,
but the hand is clutching a wrench. She is not only willing to accept
her new role in the labor force, but proudly thrusts her hand into the
air in a public display of patriotism.
-	The words themselves (taken from a speech by Henry Wallace, then
Vice-President, and later a Presidential hopeful on 1948’s Progressive
Party Ticket) suggested that our support for the war our religious
obligation and that with the support of God’s omnificent strength we
cannot be defeated. It plays on the idea that God is good, therefore
our mission is just. Furthermore, the message says that this is the
“people’s cause” and in order to be accepted as one of “the people”
the viewer is encouraged to accept his duty freely and to defend the
cause without hesitation in the moment of truth. Finally, the words
suggest that we will not surrender and we will not relent until
victory is ours.

Though the poster contains multiple messages depending upon the
viewer’s perspective. It is unmistakably representative of the
glorification of war and the glorification of the American spirit
during times of war. The poster primarily targets American citizens
but sends a clear message to the enemy as well.

*******************************************************************

PERIOD: 	WORLD WAR 1
MESSAGE: 	GLORIFICATION OF WAR
METHOD:	        PROPAGANDA POSTER 	
In this propaganda poster entitled, “Side by Side – Britannia”, by
James Montgomery Flagg, (December 7, 1918) the artist depicts victory
as the United States and Great Britain march arm-in-arm onto the high
ground of foreign soil.
http://artwork.barewalls.com/product/artwork.exe?ArtworkID=23244&thumbs=1

James Montgomery Flagg (b. 1877; d. 1960) had his first work published
in “Life” magazine at the age of 14. Educated at the Arts Students
League he soon became one of America’s leading illustrators. Initially
he drew portraits of Hollywood stars for “Photoplay” magazine, but his
published works in such leading magazines as “Judge”, “Good
Housekeeping”, “Cosmopolitan”, “Liberty” and “Harper's Weekly” gained
the attention of the War Department’s Office of War Information. The
government enlisted his aid in the production of 46 different posters
between 1941-1945. His most famous work was the immortal poster of
Uncle Same that demands, “Uncle Sam Wants You”.

In the poster, Flagg clearly takes advantage of the distinct
similarities between the two allies by prominently displaying the red,
white and blue colors which both countries readily associate with
freedom and liberty. The health and happiness of the two entities is
evident by their smiles, their supple skin tones and their flushed
cheeks. The trident held by the British entity represents domination
of the seas, while the sword wielded by the American entity represents
the domination of the land. The animals accompanying the two great
governments represent the power of the people. The proud lion is the
unwavering British people, loyal to their monarch and their way of
life, and the powerful bird of prey, the eagle, is the icon of fierce
American determination. In the background one can make out the
parading of ships on a calm and peaceful sea that signifies the
aftermath of an imminent allied victory.

The poster in itself glorifies war, by glorifying health, liberty,
friendship, cooperation and peace. It uses known image association as
its cause and effect. Though simply constructed, the poster’s message
is actually quite complex and admittedly unforgettable. These unique
qualities are what make this particular poster such a positive and
valuable propaganda tool. Its intended audience was the hopeful
British and American citizen, but it, too, bears a powerful message
for any opposing force.

**************************************************************


PERIOD: 	COLD WAR
MESSAGE: 	FUTILITY OF WAR
METHOD:	        PROPAGANDA CARTOON	

Untitled Propaganda Leaflet. Author/ Artist Unknown (circa 1951)
http://www.awm.gov.au/korea/weapons/propaganda/propaganda.htm
http://www.awm.gov.au/korea/weapons/propaganda/psychological_warfare.htm

This cartoon, dropped over North Korean soldiers and civilians by UN
forces, shows that a great deal of forethought went into the creation
of this type of psychological warfare. The intention is to show the
futility of resistance. In the cartoon’s left frame we see a poorly
equipped North Korean soldier, under the watchful eye of China,
attempting to divide Korea along the 32nd parallel with his simple
knife. In the next frame, we see a UN solider, equipped with his
modern repair tools and a full canteen, diligently stitching together
the damage and reuniting the two regions with the precision of a
surgeon.

The images, intentionally designed for the consumption of the
illiterate, convey the uselessness of North Korea’s effort and suggest
that they are merely puppets of the Chinese government. In some
oriental societies this type of accusation is perceived by the
recipient as deliberate humiliation and is symbolic of the UN’s
superiority.  This cartoon is a prime example of a propaganda message
that was designed with the specific purpose of conveying the futility
of war.

*********************************************************************


PERIOD: 	WAR IN THE 21ST CENTURY
MESSAGE: 	FUTILITY OF WAR
METHOD:	        PROPAGANDA CARTOON	

Numerous examples of US/Afghan propaganda photos and cartoons from
various sources, accompanied by official serial numbers and
nomenclature.
http://psywar.psyborg.co.uk/afghanistan.shtml

Select any number of these cartoons and you will achieve the same
purpose. They all represent the futility of war. These cartoons and
photos were dropped over Afghanistan at various times to send a clear
message to both victim (there is hope) and offender (the war is
futile).

My personal favorite is Leaflet Number: TF11RP03 which shows a
healthy, smiling, clean shaven Osama bin Laden in an expensive
American made suit with the caption: "Osama bin laden the murderer and
coward has abandoned you.”. This one suggests that their leader has
not only abandoned his orthodox beliefs by shaving his beard but is
collaborating with the enemy in an effort to save himself. If this
doesn’t send a message to the Taliban that their cause is futile,
nothing will.

I hope my research proves to be of great value to you. 

Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga


**************
SOURCES:
**************

War of Words
http://www.awm.gov.au/korea/weapons/propaganda/propaganda.htm
http://www.awm.gov.au/korea/weapons/propaganda/psychological_warfare.htm

Barewall Arts, Prints and Posters Online
http://artwork.barewalls.com/product/artwork.exe?ArtworkID=23244&thumbs=1

James M. Flagg – Bio
http://intranet.qe.dorset.sch.uk/britishhistory/ARTflagg.htm

Propaganda Critic (rich with valuable information)
“Propaganda Analysis Page”
http://www.propagandacritic.com/

PsyWar.org
http://psywar.psyborg.co.uk/afghanistan.shtml

Unifying A Nation
http://www.state.nh.us/ww2/ww60.html

Hi nickwood03,

First let me give a high-five to tutuzdad for a very nicely done
answer to your question. It looks like a five-star job to me.

I started to work on your question before tutuzdad, but got distracted
and had to let my lock on it lapse before completing my answer. But,
since I hate to let my efforts go to waste, I thought I'd post what I
had in case you'd like a little extra material from which to work:

PARTIALLY COMPLETED ANSWER

Throughout history art has been used for political purposes. The
mother of all political purposes, of course, is encouragement or
discouragement of war. While not always the case, this sort of visual
propaganda (as opposed to written, spoken, musical, or film
propaganda, all of which forms have been important) usually takes the
form of a populist art form, i.e. posters or cartoons (or music or
film) as opposed to more "serious" art, the kind that might hang in a
museum. The reason for this is simple: the art must be cheap and
disposable so it can be widely disseminated at minimal cost. It's
highly cost effective to publish a political cartoon or stick a poster
on a wall, while an oil painting is one of a kind, so can't be seen by
large numbers of people.

In looking into your request, I found a wealth of material. So much in
fact that it was difficult to choose, so I'm including more items than
you requested. You can make the choices based on your needs.

WWII

Uncle Sam poster shushing people who might run their mouth and
inadvertantly disclose trooop or equipment movements
http://www.isr.umd.edu/~ennisj/pp/dontdiscuss.jpg

Poster, "When you ride alone, you ride with Hitler", which encourages
joining a ride sharing club (in order to save materials like gasoline
and rubber needed for the war effort)
http://www.openstore.com/posters/ridewith.jpg

Here's something a little different: a Nazi anti-Semitic cartoon which
is from the collection of the Simon Wiesenthal Center: 
http://motlc.wiesenthal.com/photos/p02/p0/p02019.gif

And one more poster, this one also a Nazi creation which tries to
blame World War II on Jews. The Caption, in German, reads "The Jew:
The inciter of war, the prolonger of war."
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/posters/derjudet.jpg

There is a treasure trove of additional Nazi posters at this Calvin
College website: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/posters2.htm

COLD WAR ERA (including Vietnam)

Here's an interesting photographic poster in which guys are encouraged
to resist the war because it will make them more attractive to women:
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/history/brinkley/3651/photos/sixties/Antiwar%20Poster.jpg
Signs carried in political rallies certainly can be considered to be
propaganda documents. Here is a photograph of a some Vietnam era war
protestors carrying very pointed signs:
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/history/brinkley/3651/photos/sixties/Antiwar2.jpg

21st CENTURY WAR

Updated The Yanks Are Coming poster - Uncle Sam in front of WTC 
http://www.isr.umd.edu/~ennisj/pp/ny.gif

Cartoon of George Bush putting up Osama bin Laden "Wanted Dead or
Alive" posters
http://www.isr.umd.edu/~ennisj/pp/christo.gif

Antiwar art montage - "Stopworldwar3.com" - designed for use as a
banner ad on a webpage (keeping in mind that the Internet has become
the most ubiquitous, and possibly effective, way of promoting ideas in
the history of communications)
http://www.stopworldwar3.com/images/sww3lo.jpg

Lastly, here's a cartoon depicting the United States as the "world's
executioner", specifically opposing U.S. intervention in Iraq:
http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/juratemacnoriute/executioner.jpg
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Again, the above represents only an incomplete effort - it's missing
some of the research, hasn't been proofed, and it hasn't had a bow
tied around it, but I hope it's of some use.

ericynot-ga