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WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2

Find out how the war permeated the arts during World War Two and introduce your KS2 children to the propaganda posters released by the government with this ready-to-teach lesson pack. In this lesson, children will discuss the impact and effectiveness of the different propaganda techniques and design features used in WW2 propaganda posters. Children will apply their understanding by creating their own propaganda-style poster, drawing on the techniques and features studied.

This WW2 propaganda posters KS2 History lesson includes:

  • a detailed lesson plan with differentiated activities
  • a slideshow for the teaching input
  • a range of printable resources for independent learning activities

This lesson is part of a The World at War KS2 Cross-Curricular Topic for Year 5 and Year 6.

WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Lesson Pack

£2.99

Scroll through the pictures for a preview of the lesson's resources:

WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Lesson Objective
WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Teaching Input Slideshow Example 3
WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Teaching Input Slideshow Example 3
WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Teaching Resources Example 1
WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Teaching Resources Example 2
WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Lesson Plan
WW2 Propaganda Posters KS2 Teaching Input Slideshow Example 4
WW2 Recruitment Propaganda Poster Recruitment

Propaganda Posters in WW2: Spreading Messages Through Art

During World War 2, everywhere you turned you found a government propaganda poster with an important message. Created to keep morale high, encourage certain behaviours, and keep everyone working together, they became one of the most effective tools in the war effort. But what made them so important and why were they so effective at getting their point across?

What is Propaganda?

Propaganda is all about creating messages to persuade people to think, feel, or act in a certain way. During the war, this meant recruiting people to the armed forces or voluntary roles on the home front; encouraging people to grow their own or conserve food; and keeping people safe by making sure they followed blackout instructions and kept quiet about secret information.

The British government had a whole department dedicated to producing these messages: the Ministry of Information. This group worked with artists, designers, and writers to create posters that would grab attention and inspire action.

Propaganda and the Arts

The war didn’t just affect soldiers on the battlefield—it touched every part of life. All posters were designed to motivate the British people to stay strong and united for the common cause.

The posters needed to:

  • Be eye-catching so people noticed them.
  • Use short, snappy slogans (like "Dig for Victory").
  • Create strong emotions—whether pride, fear, or responsibility.

Some of the best artists of the time were hired to design striking posters with bold colors, clear messages, and dramatic images.

Was WW2 Propaganda effective?

Absolutely! Propaganda posters were everywhere—on walls, buses, and shop windows—and they worked because they spoke directly to ordinary people. They used powerful words and visuals that made everyone feel like they had an important role to play in the war effort. Propaganda posters were about hope, resilience and teamwork. They brought the country together, united against a common enemy, and they remind us today of how powerful creativity can be during tough times.

WW2 Propaganda Poster KS2 Example

A World War Two Propaganda Poster

Facts about Propaganda

  • The Ministry of Information was so secretive, people didn’t even know where it was based at first!
  • The famous “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster was almost never used. It only became popular many years later.
  • Even children were targeted with posters encouraging them to collect scrap metal or help with gardening.

Why not challenge your children to conduct their own historical research and add their own fun facts to this list!