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World War 2 Propaganda Poster Analysis

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Getting Handsy: Canadian Anti-Axis Power Attitude During World War II World War II began a long time before war was actually declared on the Axis Powers. In, 1921, Adolf Hitler became the leader of the National Social Party, or Nazi Party. After a series of escalating events, seventeen years later, Hitler was the leader of Germany and declared Anschluss (or union), which led to more invasions of neighboring European countries. Once Germany invaded Poland, in September of 1939, Britain, France, and Canada decided enough was enough and declared war (World War II, 2012). Canada declared war on Germany on September 10, 1939. They sent troops right away to start the Battle of the Atlantic. They fought and sent troops overseas, and by the year of 1942, when “Hands Off!” was drawn, Canada had five divisions overseas (Second World War, 2012). Propaganda posters were used in all of the countries during World War II to promote the war and their troops. The artists’ used pathos, ethos, logos, colors, and symbolism to get across the agenda that the government wanted the citizens to believe. They used propaganda to boost the morale of citizens, to promote production, and to urge the citizens to buy bonds. Gordon K. Odell was a famous Canadian propaganda poster artist during the World War II period. He was …show more content…

Odell achieves this portrayal by drawing the German swastika and Japanese symbol on the two hands. This makes it clear that he means the hands to represent the German and Japanese forces. The hands are also drawn reaching out towards the woman and child, making it clear that they are trying to get a hold of them. This image is expressing that the German and Japanese forces are a clear threat towards Canadian citizens, especially women and

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