During World War Two Nazi and Anti-Nazi propaganda was rampant worldwide. Here's a photo journey into a world at odds with itself, and with the notion of peace in our time
This post first appeared on Russia Insider
From the onset, the Second World War was as much about propaganda as it was about the idealisms behind the carnage. The greatest conflict in human history was a showcase for the horror of war, but no less a stage for some of the most cunning advertisements ever devised.
focke_wulf.jpg
The Germans were not the only ones promoting their death dealing. The ad bragging on Cadillac craftsmanship below is no less nationalistic in its intent. Such ads appeared in magazines and newspapers, and in the theaters of America throughout World War II.
cadillac.jpg
Car companies and airplane makers were not the only ones feeding ads to the people. In the advertisement below Shell Oil gets into the act revealing the preciseness that had become low level bombing. Of course "Finer Fuels for the Age of Flight" betrayed the fact women and children were probably underneath ever tank full of Shell aviation gas.
bombed.jpg
Today we don't see too many cigarette advertisements any more. Back in the 40s though, a pack of Lucky Strike or Camels without the filters was about as common as eggs for breakfast in America. The add below from Camel promises the smoker steel nerves and the guts to be a hero. Isn't it funny how we've always wanted products to make us better?
cigs.jpg
In these days of social media madness we worry about what the next NATO troll will come up with to try and fan the flames of war with Russia. Well, back in the days of imperialism past ethics were black and white. You either side with us, or you side with them. Talk about some peer pressure! Either you buy some more war bonds and make bombs, or we try you for treason perhaps!
trolls.jpg
Speaking on ethics, what would you say if you knew a company like IBM, for instance, helped the Nazis spy on everybody via some of the first computer tech? Guess what?
ibm.jpg
Virtually every nation was in one way or another involved in propaganda for or against the Axis or Allies. The poster below is telling, if you are in Spain during the Civil War there.
nazidie.jpg
In traditionally graphic and symbolic form, Soviet creatives had a way of hamming out the message best it seems. The idea expressed below pretty much tells it for anyone seeing such a poster or ad. Kill Hitler with your work.
soviet.jpg
Isn't it amazing how creative we can be, even in dealout out war?
This post first appeared on Russia Insider
Anyone is free to republish, copy, and redistribute the text in this content (but not the images or videos) in any medium or format, with the right to remix, transform, and build upon it, even commercially, as long as they provide a backlink and credit to Russia Insider. It is not necessary to notify Russia Insider. Licensed Creative Commons
Our commenting rules: You can say pretty much anything except the F word. If you are abusive, obscene, or a paid troll, we will ban you. Full statement from the Editor, Charles Bausman.
Add new comment