Persuasion & the art of propaganda

People were familiar with what was known as commercial art used in movie posters, magazine and newspaper ads and on billboards and outdoor signs, so government agencies employed the persuasive powers of the best illustrators from the world of advertising to create propaganda posters.

The posters used colour, sophisticated design, clever language and psychological ‘angles’ to communicate essential messages and inspire action. 

Posters were pinned up in factories, post offices, schools, libraries and displayed on buses and trains as part of the campaign to support the war effort.  

They depicted heroism and sacrifice, encourage recruitment, preach thrift and discipline, promote investment in peace, inspire optimism in the future and tackle racism, women in war and international cooperation.  

The enemy is evoked in stereotypes, as a ruthless invisible menace, lurking and listening in the shadows, and as the ultimate target of victory.

The success of these US and Australian posters lies in their use of images and expressions from the everyday, and the threat by war to cherished familiar things.

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The World Remade: The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

To mark its end in the Pacific, the museum is delivering a series of programs, events, activations and exhibitions under the banner The World Remade. Discover our objects and stories, with more information here and a map available from the museum front desk. 

Want more? See what else is happening in Darling Harbour.