Anti-German British propaganda during World War II

british wwii propaganda poster commemorating village of lidice



sefton delmer (1958)

much made of dictatorial nature of hitler s government. germany treated particular font of evil within axis, , greater threat japan , italy. churchill presented hitler central issue of war. germans presented evil, stating concentration camps not have been possible on french or british soil.

the sinking of ss athenia, killing civilians including americans, on first day of war exploited demonstrating u-boat same instrument of terror in world war i; germans attempted counter claiming british had sunk ship blacken germany.

the film men of lightship created foment anti-german feeling; not germans attack lightship, not traditionally regarded proper target, machine-gun survivors in water, 1 lives. posters depicted germans in sinister light. propaganda shifted downplaying raids playing them up, inspire hatred of enemy, , sympathy neutrals, despite encouragement might give enemy , potential impact on calm of populace. atrocity reports presented both summaries of known facts , news reports occurred.

alternative history novels depicted nazi invasions of great britain form of cautionary tales . until 1943, these grim tales, presenting british victims; after that, more heroic note increased.

the instant—and unauthorised—rejection of peace terms of hitler s 19 july 1940, speech sefton delmer on bbc produced great impact on germany; goebbels believed had show governmental inspiration, , while propaganda efforts made talk british around, german press instructed attack rejection. speed of rejection unquestionably led great impact, authorisation have prevented; produced consternation in government, effect desirable, did not know whether such spokesman again happen government wanted.