Activity 1

Although the World War I was not the first total war (the wars of the French Revolution earned that distinction), it did mobilize the resources of the modern state to an unprecedented degree. One of the means through which the warring countries mobilized their populations was through propaganda. All of the combatants waged sophisticated propaganda campaigns to maintain the support of their citizens and keep their attention focused on victory. Take a look at the following American, British, French, and Italian propaganda posters: Liberation Loan, Liberty, Remember Belgium, Victory Bonds, Liberty Bonds, Red Cross, Subscribe for the Loan. Now examine some German and Austro-Hungarian posters and postcards: War Loan, German Postcards, Postcards. When you arrive at the "Postcards" site, scroll down the navigation bar on the left of your screen until you find the links "The Centrals" and "Mocking Cards: Central Powers"; click on these and look at a few of the cards on each page. How do these images represent the people and/or military efforts of their own countries? How do they represent friends and enemies? How do the types of imagery used by the Allies resemble and/or differ from those used by the Central Powers? How effective do you think these images were in shaping thought and action in each country?

Activity 2

In 1916, while Britain was occupied with war on the continent, Irish republicans took up arms against British rule. After capturing several buildings in the city of Dublin, the rebels proclaimed an independent Irish republic. To learn more about the course of the Eastern Uprising, read the following overview. Now take a look at the proclamation delivered by the rebels. In what terms does document represent new republic? Does it express liberal or conservative nationalism? As you know, Germany was an imperial power that ruled several non-German peoples and cared little for their nationalist desires. Why do you think the Irish rebels were willing to make arms deals with such a power? Finally, read an assessment of the uprising that appeared in the December 1916 issue of The Atlantic Monthly. How does the author regard the uprising? Is he sympathetic or critical? How does he view the future of Ireland?