Propaganda in WWII

Overview

In this 60-minute session, students will explore the vital role propaganda played during World War II, focusing on how different nations utilised imagery, slogans, and emotional appeal to influence public opinion and morale. This lesson integrates critical analysis with creative expression, culminating in students designing their own historically informed propaganda poster.

National Curriculum Links

History Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11) – Relevant elements from the statutory content in the national curriculum for England:

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the period studied (The significance of propaganda in shaping attitudes worldwide during WWII).
AO2: Analyse and evaluate different interpretations, sources and evidence — understanding how propaganda shaped public perception and its reliability as a source.
AO3: Communicate historically valid arguments clearly and organise information coherently.

This lesson also supports broader curriculum aims:

Developing historical enquiry skills.
Understanding cause and consequence and the complexity of historical events.
Encouraging philosophical and ethical reflection on media influence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

Understand the purpose and techniques of propaganda used by Britain, Germany, and the USA during WWII.
Analyse examples of WWII propaganda, identifying key messages and tactics.
Apply historical knowledge to create their own propaganda poster using period-appropriate techniques.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different propaganda methods in influencing public opinion.

Resources Needed

Projector or interactive whiteboard
Examples of WWII propaganda posters from Britain, Germany, USA (printed or digital)
Art supplies: A3 paper, coloured pencils, markers, rulers, glue
Propaganda techniques worksheet (definitions, examples)
Historical context handout summarising nations’ use of propaganda
Timer or stopwatch

Structure and Activities

1. Starter Activity – Propaganda Brainstorm (10 mins)

Activity: Display a striking WWII propaganda poster without context. Ask students to jot down what feelings or ideas it evokes and who they think made it and why.
Purpose: Engage prior knowledge and encourage analysis of visual messages.
Curriculum focus: AO2 – Source analysis, understanding historical context.

2. Direct Teaching – Propaganda Techniques and Examples (15 mins)

Present a mini-lecture explaining key propaganda techniques: emotional appeal, symbolism, stereotyping, repetition, slogans, and fear.
Show contrasting examples from Britain (e.g., "Keep Calm and Carry On"), Nazi Germany (“The Eternal Jew”), and the USA (Rosie the Riveter).
Use the historical handout to provide summary context about each nation’s propaganda goals and audiences.
Class Discussion: How did each nation’s propaganda reflect their wartime situation and objectives?
Curriculum focus: AO1 and AO2 – Knowledge acquisition and interpretation.

3. Group Analysis (10 mins)

Split class into 6 groups (5 students each), assign each group a different propaganda poster or leaflet.
Each group answers the questions:
- Who created it and why?
- Which techniques are used?
- What message does it send?
- How might it influence people’s thoughts or behaviour?
Groups prepare a 1-minute summary to share.
Curriculum focus: AO2 – Source evaluation and collaborative historical enquiry.

4. Creative Task – Design Your Own Propaganda Poster (20 mins)

Individually, students design an original WWII-style propaganda poster aimed at boosting morale or influencing opinion, using historical techniques learned today. They may choose a nation perspective or create a fictional WWII poster.
Encourage inclusion of slogans, symbols, and emotional appeals.
The teacher circulates providing feedback, prompting historical accuracy and creativity.
Curriculum focus: AO3 – Communication of historical understanding through creative expression.

5. Plenary – Gallery Walk and Peer Assessment (5 mins)

Students display their posters around the room.
As they walk around, students use post-it notes to leave constructive comments on at least two posters, focusing on use of propaganda techniques and historical accuracy.
Finish by asking two or three students to briefly explain their poster’s purpose and techniques.
Curriculum focus: AO3 – Reflecting and communicating historical ideas; AO2 – Peer evaluation.

Assessment

Formative assessment through:

Observation of group discussion and analysis.
Evaluation of individual propaganda posters against a simple rubric focused on accuracy, use of historical propaganda techniques, creativity, and messaging clarity.
Peer feedback during gallery walk.

Differentiation

Support: Propaganda techniques worksheet with clear examples and definitions.
Challenge: Encourage some students to justify the ethical impact of propaganda and reflect on parallels with modern media.
Visual and verbal tasks engage different learning styles.

Extension Ideas

Homework: Research a lesser-known propaganda campaign during WWII and present findings next lesson.
Cross-curricular link: Collaborate with Art to develop more sophisticated poster design skills.

Teacher Notes

Emphasise historical context to avoid oversimplified or inaccurate understandings of propaganda’s power.
Scaffold artistic work for students less confident in drawing – drawings can be simple but effective use of symbols and slogans is key.
Connect this lesson to future topics on war impact on society and post-war propaganda in the Cold War.

This lesson plan seamlessly integrates National Curriculum requirements while fostering analytical and creative skills, making World War II propaganda tangible and relevant to year 10 students.

Teaching Instructions