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

you had good example with the pandemic... toilet paper style...

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Adam Jeff
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And life expectancy increased considerably as a result of both rich and poor having a healthier diet (based on UK data but probably true for the US too).

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CatWoman312
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But I’m a billionaire I deserve the whole store so everyone else can starve, but they better show up to work Monday - Jeff Bezos, probably

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

Rationing is good idea to implement in a time of crisis ans it’s meant to be temporary but here in Cuba we’ve been rationing since 1962 with something called “la libreta de abastecimiento” and it’s a mess, really.

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

World War ration books and the start of Victory gardens, encouraging people to grow their own veggies etc. very successful campaigns

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

Good idea, but you couldn't even get people to mask up during this last pandemic. Those same people won't be ready to share anything else with anyone else.

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

For an someone against socialism they would complain that with rationing the government is controlling the amount of goods we can have, but they dont want government telling us how much stuff we can have.

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

can;t ration s**t nowadays because bots will just get it all and they resell it on Feebay or Scamazon for 1000% markup

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

Rationing of non-scarce resources is communism. Rationing of scarce resources is not accurately depicted by this cartoon, as it doesn't show the hundreds outside the butcher shop who get nothing even with rationing.

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Lorraine R
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They instituted rationing during WWII so that the defense industries would get first crack at scrap metal, rubber, gasoline, etc., and there would be food for the people serving in the military. It wasn't just to control the amount of goods available to private citizens.

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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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#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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