Persuasion – the art of propaganda

During WWII mobilising the resources and spirit of the population was essential to defeating our shared enemies in World War II. 

People were familiar with what was known as commercial art used in movie posters, magazine and newspaper ads and on billboards and outdoor signs, so government agencies employed the persuasive powers of the best illustrators from the world of advertising to create propaganda posters.

The posters used colour, sophisticated design, clever language and psychological ‘angles’ to communicate essential messages and inspire action. 

Posters were pinned up in factories, post offices, schools, libraries and displayed on buses and trains as part of the campaign to support the war effort. 

They depicted heroism and sacrifice, encourage recruitment, preach thrift and discipline, promote investment in peace, inspire optimism in the future and tackle racism, women in war and international cooperation. 

The enemy is evoked in stereotypes, as a ruthless invisible menace, lurking and listening in the shadows, and as the ultimate target of victory.

The success of these US and Australian posters lies in their use of images and expressions from the everyday, and the threat by war to cherished familiar things.