Comparing German and American World War Ii Posters

When comparing German and American World War Two posters common themes and techniques can be seen even though the two societies and the governments running them were very different.

What common themes and design techniques were used and how were they used to reflect the different societies?

When you think of weapons of war things such as guns, bombs and tanks are probably the first that come to mind. However, back on the homefronts a more subtle form of warfare makes its attack on the public (The National Archives 2008). “When a nation goes to war society must become a co-ordinated fighting machine” ( Hilvert 1984, p.1) This is done through propaganda. “Inexpensive, accessible and ever-present, the poster was an ideal agent for making war aims the personal mission of every citizen”(Bird & Rubenstein 1998, p.20)

This essay compares American and German world war two posters and how the designers reflected and generated the different societies political views using many of the same design techniques.

During the years of World War Two it can be seen that America and Germany had very different societies. After World War One America had risen as the new super power where as Germany was left embarressed and in debt. The American government was democratic where as Germany was under the complete control of Hitler. Even though these countries were very different it can be seen through the anaylsis of war poster designs that many same techniques were used to recruit support in the war effort.

Most early members of the American Propaganda campaign were dedicated to democratic ideals. They saw the war as a battle between facism and democracy. They used propaganda to communicate what they believed to be American values of freedom and democracy. American propaganda “sought first to Unite public opionion behind the war” (Winkler 1978, p.2). It attempted to stop opposition to the war and persaude the American people that sacrafices had to be made in order to win...