The Power of Propaganda. German Selfand Enemy Portrayal during the World War I

Abstract

Wars are always events in which lies, manipulation and propaganda play a major role. The propagation of clear images of the self and the enemy is always important in war propaganda.  

Russia's war of extermination against Ukraine shows the perfidious methods that can be used to spread lies, hatred and contempt in the digital age. This type of public manipulation began in Europe in the 19th century, when two phenomena came together with the mass distribution of the daily press and the successful literacy of large sections of the population, creating the basis for successful propaganda. In the war of 1870/71, the 3rd French Republic anticipated developments of the 20th century with its anti-German hate propaganda. This essay examines German self-images and images of the enemy during the First World War. Differences, similarities and developments are shown with regard to the depiction of the enemies 'Great Britain', 'France' and 'Russia'. Particularly with regard to the depiction of the enemy 'Russia', it can be shown that German propaganda anticipates racist motifs of the Second World War.