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Propaganda has been a powerful tool used throughout history. But how does it really work? And is it only used to trick people into believing certain things? When we hear about it, do we think only about past historic events or can we think of an example of seeing propaganda in today’s world? 

Propaganda can be spread through books, movies, images, and other sources that reach mass audiences. Its primary goal is to change people’s views and opinions. After important events that changed the world’s history, propaganda started to carry a rather negative connotation. But it can also be used to spread positive messages and embrace necessary changes.

Bored Panda has already covered the topic by presenting these propaganda posters about the COVID-19 crisis. The pictures depict very recent events, so it’s no trouble for people to understand what is the hidden meaning behind them. But what about some of the older propaganda images? Are we able to decipher those? 

A subreddit called PropagandaPosters with 415k members shares various posters and pamphlets that show how propaganda was spread during various periods of time. These images depict and help to understand some historical events better with their symbolic drawings, call-to-action messages, and well-portrayed stereotypes. Which one of these do you find the most influential? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: Reddit

#1

A Known Classic That Never Seems To Age. Date Unknown (1920s?)

Arnmaran Report

Miss Cris
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One century ago and still nothing changed :(

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    #2

    Help Keep Your School All American! [1950]

    I_like_maps Report

    NsG
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, that lesson got buried quick!

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    #3

    We Don’t Always March Straight, Swedish Armed Forces Gay Pride Poster, 2018

    TheOther36 Report

    Scagsy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that's a pretty good recruitment drive. Good job Sweden.

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    #5

    Anti-Vac Comic From The 1940s. Stupidity Is Timeless.

    T3SKULLBREAK Report

    third molar
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still no cure or vaccinations for stupidity :(

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    #10

    "News-Leak Embarrasses White House" 1972.

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    #11

    "The First Lesson" - Ussr, 1964.

    WillManhunter Report

    Mars Lander
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This artist hits it. Every. Time. No wonder they were our biggest enemy, we didn't want them blasting our truths like that.

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    #15

    "Evolution?" // Anti- Nuclear War Poster (1970s Ussr)

    ManOfReasonCC Report

    NsG
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't that an Einstein quote?: "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones"

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    #17

    "Nuclear War", Soviet Union, C. 1980s

    Zzyzwicz_ Report

    #18

    “Rationing Means A Fair Share For All Of Us” - USA, 1940s

    EssoEssex Report

    Chrissy Neibarger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't imagine the riots that would occur if this happened today. Too many selfish people now-a-days.

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    #20

    Pro-Child Labor Poster ~1915

    vulverine Report

    #21

    "Tax The Loafer - Not The Loaf" - Britain, 1920s

    1stDegreeBoo-Urns Report

    #23

    "Telling A Friend May Mean Telling The Enemy" - UK, Wwii.

    frecklefactor Report

    Adam Belaire
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Come, Boris! Lucille Ball has told me where to find Moose and Squirrel.

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    #25

    1900s, Anti-Feminist Poster.

    throughmethroughyou Report

    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And this one REALLY hasn't changed all that much. To this very day "Well you're just ugly and no man wants you!" is a line you hear all too often when a woman stands up for her rights. Or is outspoken in general, really. Because, y'know, being attractive to men is the be-all and end-all of a woman's existence. Sigh.

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    #26

    2009 Net Neutrality Poster

    skabeteber Report

    Bacony Cakes
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ajit Pai? More like A Sh*t Pile. Support net neutrality.

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    #27

    Hitler Youth Poster (1930s) And American Meat Industry Poster (1980s)

    Unleashtheducks Report

    Red Ruffensor
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look at those two, it can't possibly be a coincidence.

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    #28

    Don't Go To Spain (UK, 1970s)

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    Fred L.
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So sad that Spain had to endure Franco for such a long time.

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    #29

    "Diplomacy, The American Way", Ussr, 1986

    Geeglio Report

    #30

    Hoarders, Panic Buyers, Shame On You! (Nazi Germany, 1942)

    ObjectiveMall Report

    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The more things change, the more they stay the same. Except for the part about the toilet paper, apparently. :p

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    #31

    "The World According To Ronald Reagan", By David Horsey, 1987.

    jonnysunshine Report

    #33

    Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Trying To Convince American Soldiers To Defect, Early 1950s

    LeRoiRoug Report

    #34

    "Liberalism, The Right Way!" - 1924 Liberal Party Campaign Poster

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    Leo Domitrix
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOL. As if. Notice that labor is always in the back seat and has to push management uphill!

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    #35

    An Old Caricature Addressing The Different Colonial Empires In Africa Date Early 1900s

    Arnmaran Report

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It left out the Italian colonization of Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

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    #36

    "Freedom" 1940 UK

    frankbr1 Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kind of loses its meaning when you censor the swastikas, BP.

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    #38

    "Negroes Beware - Do Not Attend Communist Meetings. The Ku Klux Klan Is Watching You" - Alabama, United States, 1933

    EternalTryhard Report

    #39

    "The Shave", Ussr, Ww2, 1945

    mzogge Report

    Bacony Cakes
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you censor them up there but not over here, BP?

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    #40

    Us Pro-Russian Poster After February Revolution 1917.

    HerrasKissa Report

    Mars Lander
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    US still has the gun pointed though, a very subtle subliminal message

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