Media's Message

How do we see media in society today? How does it impact us, and those before us? How did it impact the population during WWII, and was it effective?

This 1918 poster from the collection of the Iowa Masonic Library advertised Victory Liberty Loans.

Victory Liberty Loans were a type of war bond that was sold during World War I. Buying these loans was seen as a sign of patriotism. During the first Liberty Bond campaign of 1917, Iowan counties would receive a quota and residents were expected to pay the minimum amount. Due to little advertisement and interest, many counties did not reach their quota, resulting in a reputation of being unpatriotic. With the following campaigns, methods to pressure Iowans were enacted such as setting up "Loyalty Courts" in cities such as in Linn and Johnson County. Those who failed to contribute to the war effort were then required to appear in court. Along with increased advertisement such as posters, subsequent campaigns were successful.

After watching the media video, we will discuss homework from the previous class which was reading a unit chapter on media and propaganda. Using a PowerPoint, we will evaluate several pieces of propaganda, which will aid students to successfully complete the homework project on their shared Google Doc. 

• SS-US.9-12.23: History (Iowans Influence U.S. History)

Students will know how media influences audiences. They will look up important media pieces and make them relevant to our discussion. Students will know critical details and the characteristics that are important to target an audience.