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Propaganda is a form of communication that promotes a particular perspective or agenda by using text and images to provoke an emotional response and influence behaviour.

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During the First World War, propaganda was used around the world for fundraising, to build hatred of the enemy, and to encourage enlistment. Posters were an ideal method of communicating this propaganda, as they could be printed and distributed quickly in large quantities.

Many Australian propaganda posters aimed to encourage enlistment by promoting a sense of comradery and duty, both among men and women.

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In WWI, the costs of war – both human and monetary – were immense. Most countries realised that extra funds and resources would be needed, and many launched public war loans programs. Individuals and companies were asked to buy government war bonds which would be repaid, with interest, after the war.

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War loan posters were extremely prolific during WWI, often combining patriotism with notions of responsibility to inspire citizens to financially back the war.

Take this one for example.

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When WWI started, it was uncommon for women to have paid employment outside industries such as domestic service, food, clothing, and printing.

Although active military roles were limited for women, they served in the Australian Army as nurses and other medical workers, with a small number working as doctors. They also formed Red Cross branches and conducted voluntary activities to support the troops – making clothing and bed sheets, running canteens, and organising fundraising concerts, for example.

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The idea of women taking on roles traditionally seen as masculine didn’t gain momentum until WWII.

In many cases, women were asked to let their husbands and sons 'Go' to war, so they wouldn’t have to face the shame of not being allowed to fight for King and Country.

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At the outbreak of war in August 1914, Australia's then-prime minister Andrew Fisher pledged the nation's full support to the British Empire.

The news of war was greeted with enthusiasm and men and women quickly signed up voluntarily to serve overseas. The response was so high that recruiters were turning people away. However, as news of the horrors of war drifted home and with rising casualties the numbers of volunteers dwindled. By 1916, the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) faced a shortage of men. Billy Hughes, then prime minister, put the issue of conscription to a referendum, held on October 28, 1916 where it was only narrowly defeated.

During this time, the political power of women was recognised and utilised. In the conscription debate both sides focussed attention on winning the vote of women, sometimes creating mirror images of successful posters.