2020-02-27 Thu

Propaganda means the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person. It is an intentional try by countries, individuals or groups to form, control, or alters the attitudes of others through communication with the intent that in any given situation the reaction of those so influenced will be manipulated as the propagandist desired.

One can use many things for propaganda, but the most brilliant way to convey one message to use a medium used by people on a daily bases. That can be transferred without any kind of problem. It can only be paper money, the most favored way to communicate and a vehicle of propaganda also called Propaganda Banknotes.

This now we saw the German sentiments against the French but during World War II when Germany occupied much of the French territory. The remained territory not occupied under Nazi Germany was Vichy France. The war dragged on the anti-Germen sentiments increased even the commoner was participating. They could find ways to raise their morale and lower Germany’s prestige through propaganda. It involved a “do-it-yourself” propaganda kit. The method was simple and the materials readily at hand. At that time the banknote for Germany occupied France and Vichy France was issued by Bank of France. The 20 franc was the most common denomination. The brilliant ides of Propaganda on this banknote was the above-shown note.

In this note, the creativity of ordinary citizens is reflected. It is preceded by pasting the bust of Hitler, cut from German postage stamps, onto circulating 20 franc notes. The stamps were pasted onto the note to make it appear that the Breton fisherman was strangling him, much to the delight of loyal Frenchmen.

Image Courtesy: THE USE OF BANK NOTES AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PROPAGANDA by John E. Sandrock