The terrible cost of World War I in human life and money had convinced many people that nothing like it would ever happen again.  Many statesmen hoped that the League of Nations and other international forums could resolve conflicts peaceably before they became dangerous.  A feeling of optimism characterized the 1920’s as nations did work together to promote world peace.  These peaceful gestures were just that, however. 

In trying to answer the question of why World War II broke out in 1939, historians point out to the problems nations faced as “The Great Depression” became world wide.  Countries like Italy and Germany turned to fascism as a way of coping with their economic struggles.  Historians point to the following causes that led to war. 

·         The unfairness of the Treaty of Versailles to Germany that stripped her of territory leaving many German people ruled by non-Germans.

·         The weakness of Britain and France following the first world war that allowed Germany to rearm itself

·         The militarism inherent in Fascism

·         The isolation of the United States from world affairs following World War I

·         The fear of the spread of communism from the Soviet Union

The era of World War II was triggered by Japan.  As a small industrial nation, the Japanese had to import many raw materials.  In 1931 the Japanese invaded Manchuria, a mineral rich area of northern China.  This was the first series of international aggressions that, eight years later, brought on the most destructive war this planet has ever known.

Assignment 7.05 - Understanding Propaganda

Propaganda Posters

In this assignment you will examine how nations used propaganda to urge their citizens to hate other nations and to eventually go to war with them.  This assignment has several parts to it:

1. Observe, study and evaluate six different propaganda posters used during this time period.
2. Complete a “Propaganda Poster Evaluation” for each poster.  Insert the picture of the poster in your Word Document .

First: Copy and paste the “propaganda poster evaluation” form into a Word Document.

Second:  The task is to complete six (6) worksheets comparing German and United States Prewar Propaganda posters.  Insert the picture of the propaganda poster into your worksheet.

 
Choose at least 3 posters from each of the following websites: 

• For German Propaganda posters, see:
• http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/posters2.htm
• For United States Propaganda use
• http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/powers_of_persuasion/powers_of_persuasion_home.html

When finished with this assignment, attach your Word document in your In/Out Box.