About This Lesson :

In this lesson, you will examine what propaganda is and analyze how and why every major combatant nation used it during World War II to wage total war. Propaganda helped to:

build national identity and unity
urge civilians to support the war effort
maintain national security

As you explore the powerful impact of World War II propaganda, you will gather evidence about its benefits and risks. You will also understand why it is important to study propaganda today. At the end of the lesson, you will choose a point of view to present regarding the use of propaganda.

Above: An American poster encouraging civilians to accept rationing in order to support the soldiers in combat.

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