National Security
The European Allies suffered fierce combat, relentless bombing, and steady advancement by the Germans. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the United States felt more anxious about possible invasion. Active spy networks on both sides used a variety of methods to steal military plans and information that could be shared with allies and resistance groups in occupied territories. This heightened a sense of suspicion and paranoia that no one could be trusted.
The idea that ordinary citizens might reveal something, intentionally or unintentionally, that would lead to a lost battle or a foiled military plan was the focus of extensive propaganda campaigns.
Look at this collection of posters. Then answer the questions in the Take Notes section below.
Above: Designed to fit into a cookie tin, hidden radios like this were used by resistance groups in Nazi-occupied countries to monitor broadcasts and to send and receive coded messages.
Poster at far right: Translation: "Psst! The enemy is listening!"
Take Notes
- Choose one of the posters. Is the image or the text more important for conveying the poster's message? Explain your answer.
- Why do you think women were often depicted as the ones who might reveal confidential information?
