Why We Hate: Changes in American Propaganda Posters in World War I and World War Ii

Abstract

Between World War I and World War II American culture changed and that change is reflected in the propaganda posters used in each war. The posters in each war contained different artistic styles, but had similar themes. The examination of thirty propaganda posters reveals the many different aspects that are seen in both wars. While discussing the main poster themes, the differing artistic styles become apparent, and the reasons for that change are discussed. Romanticism influenced how people viewed the world during the First World War, but due to the realities of the war, that view changed. World War II posters contained images that are more indicative of Realism and some of the image displayed the harsh realities of the war. The change in artistic styles reflects the change in culture. People were outraged at how the government presented the war as being an honorable heroic endeavor, because the reality of the war was far from anything told to the public.