Media Assignment
Rosalie Ho
Mr. Ford
ENG4U
June 21 2024
Comparing Two Different Media Sources
Propaganda posters, adorned with slogans, play a role in analyzing patriotism
by capturing the public's attention and conveying important messages during World War I. It is
clear that different organizations, including the Canadian government and British writers, have
utilized diverse tactics to encourage individuals to join the global peace efforts. Through
analyzing these propaganda materials, we can see the importance of each group's patriotic
reputation in motivating individuals to back the effort for war in order to achieve peace
restoration.
The slogans "This is your flag" and "Heroes of St-Julien and Festubert" were
printed on the posters to encourage Canadians to take pride in their country. They have
underlined the importance of national unity through impactful visuals of national traditions and
patriotic sayings, which have given them strength and energy. Patriotism and national identity are
also central topics in the comic book Charley's War by Joe Colquhoun and Pat Mills. Although
not as clear as military recruitment posters, it shows the strong impact that patriotism has on each
person during the conflict. Both comic books and posters depict the gruesome realities of war,
showing things like soldier deaths and bombed-out landscapes.
​Some posters use subtle methods to gain public support for the military and
the strength and endurance of soldiers, as well as for morale and supplies such as food and
ammunition. Instead of signing up, teenagers aged 15 to 19 are encouraged to become farm
workers in the summer through the "Soldiers of the Land" poster. This shows how the war has
affected the daily lives of people in the world and Canada due to the necessity of food.
The Charley's conflict comic strip and First World War propaganda posters
were important as they raised queries about the conflict and its consequences. They also aim to
promote appreciation for gums and motivate individuals to back the nation's endeavors in
pursuing peace in the coming years. The posters used patriotic words to ignite soldiers' fervor,
while Charley's War offered a nuanced depiction of the conflict with a focus on character
development.
In conclusion, both the Charley's War comic book series and World War I
propaganda posters offer valuable perspectives on how individuals were convinced to back the
war endeavor. Both employed patriotic language and detailed depictions of battle, yet their
methods of recruiting soldiers and the consequences of war varied. By examining these
documents collectively, we can enhance our comprehension of the impact of nationalism on
public perception during World War I.