Explore World War I Propaganda Posters

Use AI to decode historical messages in wartime propaganda posters.

Teaching Context:
Targeted at Year 9 or 10 History during a unit on World War I. Helps students interpret visual sources and analyse persuasive techniques.

Basic AI Prompt:
What is the message of this World War I propaganda poster?

Enhanced AI Prompt:
You are a historian analysing a World War I propaganda poster. Describe what you see, explain the message the poster is trying to communicate, and identify at least two persuasive techniques. Explain how this poster might have influenced people at the time.

Spice it Up (Optional Extension):
Have AI generate a fictional modern version of the same poster and explain the changes. Students can also design their own using Canva.

Lesson Implementation:
Display several WWI propaganda posters. Discuss common symbols and language. Assign each group a poster and have them run the prompt through AI. Students annotate their poster using AI insights and present their findings.

Scaffold language with a glossary of persuasive techniques and sentence frames for oral presentations. Finish with a discussion about media influence across time. Use Google Slides for group posters and Padlet for class-wide sharing. This task supports visual analysis and links well with civics and ethical reasoning.

Got ideas on different ways to use this prompt? Share them with the class in the comments below!

Also, if you liked this, you'll love the thousands of subject-specific AI prompts in our books section!