Propaganda Through History: 21 Historic Posters That Shaped Public Opinion

Propaganda has been a powerful tool used throughout history. But how does it really work? And is it only used to trick people into believing certain things? When we hear about it, do we think only about past historic events or can we think of an example of seeing propaganda in today’s world? 

Propaganda can be spread through books, movies, images, and other sources that reach mass audiences. Its primary goal is to change people’s views and opinions. After important events that changed the world’s history, propaganda started to carry a rather negative connotation. But it can also be used to spread positive messages and embrace necessary changes.

Bored Panda has already covered the topic by presenting these propaganda posters about the COVID-19 crisis. The pictures depict very recent events, so it’s no trouble for people to understand what is the hidden meaning behind them. But what about some of the older propaganda images? Are we able to decipher those? 

A subreddit called PropagandaPosters with 415k members shares various posters and pamphlets that show how propaganda was spread during various periods of time. These images depict and help to understand some historical events better with their symbolic drawings, call-to-action messages, and well-portrayed stereotypes. Which one of these do you find the most influential? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: Reddit

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#1 A Known Classic That Never Seems To Age. Date Unknown (1920s?)

© Photo: Arnmaran

#2 Help Keep Your School All American! [1950]

© Photo: I_like_maps

#3 We Don’t Always March Straight, Swedish Armed Forces Gay Pride Poster, 2018

© Photo: TheOther36

#4 Anti-Vac Comic From The 1940s. Stupidity Is Timeless.

© Photo: User

#5 Dc Statehood Poster (2006)

© Photo: TrueBirch

#6 “News-Leak Embarrasses White House” 1972.

© Photo: [deleted]

#7 “Basement With Supplies” / Ussr, 1973

© Photo: soviet_posters

#8 This Patient Is Hopeless. He Was Diagnosed With A Complete Lack Of Dollars. Soviet Union, 1950s

© Photo: User

#9 “Evolution?” // Anti- Nuclear War Poster (1970s Ussr)

© Photo: ManOfReasonCC

#10 “…they Don’t Really Seem To Know Why They Are Protesting!” USA, 2011

© Photo: EssoEssex

#11 “Nuclear War”, Soviet Union, C. 1980s

© Photo: Zzyzwicz_

#12 “Rationing Means A Fair Share For All Of Us” – USA, 1940s

© Photo: EssoEssex

#13 United States During World War I (1917)

© Photo: AntergosLinux

#14 Pro-Child Labor Poster ~1915

© Photo: User

#15 “Tax The Loafer – Not The Loaf” – Britain, 1920s

© Photo: 1stDegreeBoo-Urns

#16 Brazilian Cartoon On Us Presidential Election 2008

© Photo: SpaceDetective

#17 “Telling A Friend May Mean Telling The Enemy” – UK, Wwii.

© Photo: frecklefactor

#18 1900s, Anti-Feminist Poster.

© Photo: throughmethroughyou

#19 2009 Net Neutrality Poster

© Photo: skabeteber

#20 “Diplomacy, The American Way”, Ussr, 1986

© Photo: Geeglio

#21 Hoarders, Panic Buyers, Shame On You! (N**i Germany, 1942)

© Photo: ObjectiveMall

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