W: Recruitment and Propaganda Flashcards
Compare the goals of Propaganda
Germany and Britain
Similarities:
1. Inspiring patriotism/nationalism and vilifying the enemy.
2. Encouraging people to be careful with goods (Britain: don’t be wasteful, Germany: intense shortages, ezrat goods)
3. War funding
Differences:
Britain: encouraging recruitment and joining the workforce.
Germany: less effective and prevalent propaganda
Forms of Propaganda
Germany and Britain, and some features
German propaganda was not as well organised as Britain:
* Images did not connect with common people. (ineffective)
* Newspapers did not publish posters, although reporting was very pre-war, and atrocity stories were published.
* Depiction of the enemy: a battle of the empires, Germany must defeat Britian to grow their own empire. Also noting the hypocrisy of Britain imperialism -> German culture morally superior.
Britain propaganda was effective - avoiding conscription until 1916.
* Film (The Battle of the Somme, stirring awe and support for frontline soldiers by depicting their lifestyle and hardships.)
* Depiction of the enemy: civilisation vs barbarity, as it had not instill terror but not minimise the power of the enemy.
Features
* Depictions of women - symbol of hope, protection, shame otherwise
* Direct address
Censorship in Germany
Strict censorship and tight control of the press
* Germans on the homefront did not understand the horrors of modern warfare
* Did not know that they were losing until news began filtering through from returning/mutinied soldiers.
* Newspapers were not allowed to discuss the reasons for war - many accepted the call to defend the fatherland
Censorship in Britain
Defence of the Realm Act (1914)
* Gave the government the right to censory
* Soldier letters were censored, war diaries not permitted.
* Only official war photographers could record experiences at the front.
Recruitment efforts in Germany
Conscription was traditionally accepted:
1914 - 94 divisions of highly trained soldiers and millions of reserves.
As they thought it would be over by Christmas - don’t miss out on the action!
Recruitment efforts in Britain
Small prewar army: 20 divisions, most defending overseas investments
January 1915: 1.3 million had enlisted.
Increasing pressure
* July 1915: physical standards loosened (40yo)
* Propaganda began targeting women to pressure, as who wanted to associate with a cowardly/unpatriotic man who turned his back on the King?
* Derby Scheme 1915: men were asked to enlist when called upon. It failed.
* First Military Service Act, Second Military Service Act (May 1916): conscription was introduced, regardless of marital status. Essential industries, clergyman (involved in convalescent care), conchies exempt
* Conscientious objectors (16000) - some took non-combatant roles, absolutists faced severe public/government treatment. (imprisonment)
