The History/Progression Of Propaganda
Propaganda, although it has existed almost indefinitely, has grown immensely during the past few centuries. Although evidence of intentional propaganda can be traced back as far as ancient Greece, the advent of communication media on a larger scale has exponentially increased its usage.
Printing Press: After the invention of the printing press, it became possible to quickly and easily produce posters and books. Prior to this development, however, the majority of propaganda was spread by word of mouth. The printing press enabled the propagandist to quickly produce mass amounts of posters with one intended effect, a form of propaganda much less risky and difficult than oral communication.
Radio: More recently, propaganda was again bolstered by the invention of the radio. The ability to communicate orally with large amounts of people in a very small amount of time also helped the development of propaganda. Also, the beginning of radio also saw the beginning of advertising as we know it today, which is another form of propaganda. Before radio, it was almost impossible to communicate directly with many people in such a short amount of time. Admittedly, direct communication through print was possible, but very few people actually read ads. Radio opened up a whole new world of advertising.
Television: The invention that has impacted propaganda the most, however, is the television. The ability to visually communicate over long distances rapidly increased both the amount and the effectiveness of propaganda. Advertising as well as political propaganda was rapidly accelerated for this new medium.
Internet: Also, in more recent years, the introduction of the Internet and long-distance communication as enabled further increases in propaganda. In an age where we are increasingly bombarded by propaganda from a variety of media, it is increasingly important to recognize and understand propaganda and its effects.
Printing Press: After the invention of the printing press, it became possible to quickly and easily produce posters and books. Prior to this development, however, the majority of propaganda was spread by word of mouth. The printing press enabled the propagandist to quickly produce mass amounts of posters with one intended effect, a form of propaganda much less risky and difficult than oral communication.
Radio: More recently, propaganda was again bolstered by the invention of the radio. The ability to communicate orally with large amounts of people in a very small amount of time also helped the development of propaganda. Also, the beginning of radio also saw the beginning of advertising as we know it today, which is another form of propaganda. Before radio, it was almost impossible to communicate directly with many people in such a short amount of time. Admittedly, direct communication through print was possible, but very few people actually read ads. Radio opened up a whole new world of advertising.
Television: The invention that has impacted propaganda the most, however, is the television. The ability to visually communicate over long distances rapidly increased both the amount and the effectiveness of propaganda. Advertising as well as political propaganda was rapidly accelerated for this new medium.
Internet: Also, in more recent years, the introduction of the Internet and long-distance communication as enabled further increases in propaganda. In an age where we are increasingly bombarded by propaganda from a variety of media, it is increasingly important to recognize and understand propaganda and its effects.