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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

#3

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

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#11

"The First Lesson" - Ussr, 1964.

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Mars Lander
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2 years ago DotsCreated 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)

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NsG
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2 years ago DotsCreated 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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#18

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

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Chrissy Neibarger
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2 years ago DotsCreated 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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#25

1900s, Anti-Feminist Poster.

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Katie Lutesinger
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2 years ago DotsCreated 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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#27

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

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Jyri Hakola
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it's a direct copy with different colors. Stature and owerall look could be coincidence but if you couht how the individual wrinkles in the shirt are drawn, those are 1:1 same.

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Carrie DeHaven
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

According to Snopes, that's kind of right. Both images are based off a primary image that doesn't have the details of Nazis or ranchers. The company that made the ad hired an artist who used a source image. The company and the artist both apologized sincerely for the mistake.

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Eric Mac Fadden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Modern advertising is mostly based on Nazi and communist-Era propaganda

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Val Izhakevich
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, folks seem to be ready for more comparisons. USSR-Nazi Germany: http://fototelegraf.ru/173168-plakaty-sssr-i-tretego-rejxa-sravnenie.html

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Ara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like someone copied someone else's homework

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Neil Bidle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably the same guy "designed" the American poster, enough Nazis went to America after the war

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Sar-kei Scyence
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The model for the poster on the right must be a child of one of the nazi war criminals given haven after the war! The line between criminal and hero is whether you’re on the winning side.

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tmw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to ask, with the similarity, was the meat poster supposed to be supportive or derisive?

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Francis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"The german student fights in the team of nsd-studentunion (?) for führer and the people"

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WorldNeedsReboot
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2 years ago

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Amerika is now in almost full communism...moving past socialism thanks to the current administration

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Benjamin Tang
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2 years ago

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I disagree. How are the meat industry horrible Nazis?

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#30

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

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Katie Lutesinger
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2 years ago DotsCreated 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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Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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