FLASHCARD World War I Propaganda Poster Analysis

Front

Propaganda that encourages people to act a certain way because everyone else is doing it.

Back

Band Wagon

Answer explanation

Band Wagon is a propaganda technique that persuades people to act a certain way by appealing to the idea that everyone else is doing it.

Front

Propaganda that links a person, group, or idea to a negative symbol:

Back

Name Calling

Answer explanation

Name Calling is a propaganda technique that links a person, group, or idea to a negative symbol. It involves using derogatory or negative language to create a negative perception.

Front

Propaganda that links a person, group, or idea to a positive symbol:

Back

Glittering Generalities

Answer explanation

Glittering Generalities is a propaganda technique that links a person, group, or idea to a positive symbol.

Front

Propaganda that plays on fears - usually wants to unite people against a common enemy.

Back

Pathos

Answer explanation

Propaganda that plays on fears aims to unite people against a common enemy. The correct choice is 'Pathos'.

Front

Propaganda that reduces a complex situation into a simple choice of good vs evil.

Back

Simplification

Answer explanation

Propaganda that reduces a complex situation into a simple choice of good vs evil is called Simplification. It simplifies the issue to manipulate people's perception and influence their decision-making process.

Front

What type of propaganda is this? Options: ETHOS, PATHOS, LOGOS, Simplification

Back

ETHOS

Answer explanation

This is also an example of bandwagon propaganda, which appeals to the idea that everyone else is doing it, so you should too. In this case, everyone is 'doing the right thing', ethos, so you should too.

Front

Select the MAIN rhetorical strategy: Ethos, Logos, Pathos

Back

Ethos

Answer explanation

Claim:
The dominant rhetorical appeal in this poster is Ethos—an appeal to authority and national duty.

Reasoning:
This British recruitment poster features John Bull, the national personification of the United Kingdom, who—like Uncle Sam in American posters—represents official authority, tradition, and patriotism.

• Authority: John Bull is a recognizable symbol of the British government and national identity. His commanding stance and pointed gesture demand accountability.

• Credibility: The poster implies that the nation itself is watching, not just military recruiters. It’s a moral appeal from a trusted figure.

• Direct address: The use of “Who’s absent? Is it YOU?” creates a personal and accusatory tone, reinforcing that every individual is answerable to the country.

Counterclaim:
Some may argue the appeal is Pathos, since it stirs feelings of guilt or shame by implying you are letting others—and your nation—down.

Rebuttal:
Although emotional, the guilt is rooted in the authority of the speaker. It’s not just any voice calling you out—it’s John Bull, symbolizing the honor, expectations, and tradition of Britain itself.

Conclusion:
The poster’s persuasive force lies in Ethos, using the credible voice of a national symbol to hold individuals morally accountable and urge them to enlist.

Front

Select the MAIN rhetorical strategy: Pathos, Ethos, Logos

Back

Ethos

Answer explanation

Claim:
The dominant rhetorical appeal in this iconic poster is Ethos—an appeal to authority and credibility.

Reasoning:
This poster features Uncle Sam, a personification of the U.S. government and American ideals. His stern expression and direct point toward the viewer establish a moral imperative: if the nation calls, you are expected to answer.

• Authority: Uncle Sam represents the official voice of the U.S. government, lending legitimacy to the recruitment message.

• Duty: The phrasing “I want YOU” implies a personal responsibility to serve. It's not just a general appeal—it’s directed at you.

• Credibility: The poster implies that joining the U.S. Army is endorsed and expected by the most trusted national figure.

Counterclaim:
One could argue the poster also uses Pathos by invoking pride, guilt, or patriotism, especially through the intense gaze and demanding tone.

Rebuttal:
While it does provoke emotional responses, the power of the message rests in who is speaking—Uncle Sam, not a faceless recruiter. The persuasive force lies in the ethos of the speaker.

Conclusion:
This poster is a textbook example of Ethos, leveraging the authority of Uncle Sam to convince individuals that joining the Army is not only expected—it’s a duty.

Front

What type of propaganda is this?

Back

Band Wagon

Answer explanation

This propaganda technique is called Band Wagon, which aims to persuade people to join a group or support a cause because it is popular or everyone else is doing it.

Front

What type of propaganda is this? Options: Name Calling, Glittering Generalities, Fear, Simplification

Back

Name Calling

Answer explanation

This is an example of Name Calling propaganda, where negative labels or names are used to create a negative perception of the opponent.