Food Propaganda in the World Wars: A Review on Food Posters

Abstract

Propaganda is an activity that is conducted to influence the attitudes or behaviors of individuals by using communication tools. Throughout history, states have used different propaganda methods to influence their public and other states. Posters are one of the mass media tools used for propaganda purposes. States made propaganda during the World Wars, and often they used posters in this activity. Although there are studies focused on propaganda activities in World Wars, posters, and the importance of food policies, no study examining food-themed propaganda posters within the scope of the food policies. The purpose of the study is to examine the food-themed propaganda posters published during the two World Wars within the scope of the food policies. 43 food-themed posters were detected published during the World Wars for propaganda. The posters were analyzed through thematic analysis. As a result, it was determined that fourteen food policy themes were used in the posters of the world wars.