The Power of Propaganda

Written by Thomas Wright. Edited by Emma Ward.There is something deeply unnerving about the power of propaganda.

The idea of this technique influencing and controlling the attitudes of a mass population seems, in a realistic sense, rather far-fetched. Yet often we do not realize it is even going on today. Propaganda has the power to influence us almost sub-consciously. However, even today propaganda rears its influential head time and time again. In the 1950’s around 80% of people smoked in the U.K. Nowadays, smokers and non-smokers alike are bombarded by anti-smoking campaigns condemning the health issues associated with it. Today, many people see smoking as ‘not cool’ and damaging to health. The change in the way that propaganda has been used has had a major effect on this.

Furthermore, a modern day example of the extent of propaganda can be found in North Korea. Perhaps the most difficult thing here is finding what is true and what is actually false. Propaganda regularly condemns South Korea, frequently emphasizes the military superiority and force that the North Koreans continue to withhold, despite threats and gives their current leader, Kim Jong-un a messianic feel. Posters, newspapers and the television are all used to further subjugate the population. Yet, the dire truth is that North Korea is a country suffering from immense poverty. According to the United Nations, around 16 million people are in dire need of food aid and if you are not a member of the elite (usually this is part of the army) then life is a struggle. This point emphasizes the fantastical nature of North Korea, but also, the sheer dominance that propaganda has over daily life.

The use of this communication technique throughout History is no different. Consider a list of the likes of Alexander the Great, General Mao, Adolf Hitler, Napoleon and Josef Stalin. All have used propaganda, whether for good or for sin. The key to propaganda and its use revolves around the power to influence opinions, create and destroy an enemy or create a supreme myth about the abilities of a leader/dictator. It should not be viewed solely as a means for an individual to gain power and influence.

An example of this is during the Two World Wars. Governments such as the British used propaganda continuously and enigmatically, whether it be in the shape of newspaper articles or posters. Usually, this propaganda played on people’s emotions, pride and patriotism. A clear example is the poster from the First World War, depicting a father with his two children and the caption, ‘Daddy, what did you do in the Great War?’ It clearly shows the sheer lengths that governments were willing to go with propaganda and its importance to them.

Of course, there are more sinister examples of propaganda within History. It could be argued that this is none more evident than in Nazi Germany. Of course, Nazi Germany was far more complex than simply a nation being controlled by propaganda. Yet, it seems incomprehensible not to discuss the impact that it had. After Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 and then Führer in early 1934, a picture of Hitler as a God-like characterized figure was already being developed by his ‘Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda’, Dr. Joseph Goebbels’. In 1933, Goebbels had set up the ‘Reich Chamber of Commerce’. This, quite simply, allowed the Nazis to control and influence the media to conform to Nazi ideology and beliefs. In films, such as ‘The Eternal Jew’, Jewish people were demonized to the German public; public book burnings of famous works, such as that of Albert Einstein’s, took place. Posters were used, as explored beforehand, to enhance the figure of Hitler and provide him to the public as almost God-like. The radio was used to extend Hitler’s voice across Germany and textbooks were changed to further promote Nazi ideas and views. Yet, perhaps the most extensive use of propaganda by Goebbels and the ‘Nazi architect’, Albert Speer, was through the use of mass rallies; this was especially evident in the ‘Nuremburg Rallies’. Here, hundreds of thousands of people attended to give an impression of sheer power and strength. The meetings would be dominated by flag waving, chanting, a great army presence and a speech from the powerful Hitler himself.

Nazi Germany is an invaluable example of the power of propaganda and as Goebbels himself exclaimed, ‘Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play’. The power of propaganda on a vulnerable mass of people is there for all to see.

It seems only fitting to finish by once again emphasizing the ways in which propaganda can be used. As explored, this can be used through a whole range of different types of media. It can be used for perhaps justifiable purposes; for the benefits of an individual, to influence a public’s opinion or to unite a country. Nonetheless, it should not be overlooked that in fact on many occasions such as Nazi Germany propaganda is often used for terrible condemnation and public manipulation. Like everything, propaganda has a dark side to it, too.

Propaganda can be harmful, useful and difficult to truly understand, but one thing that cannot be disputed is the power that it beholds.

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