Interpreting Symbolism Picture Analysis for American Government

This Interpreting Symbolism Picture Analysis for Civics & American Government teaches students how symbolism can be used to influence public opinion, particularly in political campaign ads and propaganda posters. Students read a short article introducing key concepts and vocabulary, then complete this engaging, hands-on annotated picture analysis. Students identify and analyze the symbolism used in four historic images: one presidential campaign ad and three propaganda posters! Perfect for middle and high school students studying symbolism in Civics, American Government, American History, and even English Language Arts classes! 

How does the symbol of Rosie the Riveter empower women? How did the symbolism in Uncle Sam’s “I Want You!” army recruitment poster influence men to enlist in World War I?

In this resource, students analyze four historic propaganda posters and political campaign ads for the meaning and purpose behind the symbolism used. Students should walk away from this activity with a firm understanding of how to analyze symbolism in media, as well as how political propaganda can use symbolism to convey certain messages and influence public opinion.

Aligned to the Florida State Standard for Middle School Civics:

1. SS.7.CG.2.9 Analyze media and political communications and identify examples of bias, symbolism and propaganda: “Students will evaluate how bias, symbolism and propaganda can impact public opinion.”

This resource includes:

✯ Symbolism in American Politics one-page reading passage. This article introduces how symbolism is used in U.S. politics to impact public opinion, as well as major symbols students should look out for when analyzing media. 

✯ Interpreting Symbolism Picture Analysis. Students analyze the symbolism in four historical political campaign ads and propaganda posters, including Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam’s army recruitment poster for tone, message, and purpose. Questions along the margins guide this analysis. 

The pictures include:

• An 1896 political campaign ad for President William McKinley, full of symbolic images representing a new, prosperous economic future for the country in the aftermath of the Civil War.
• A 1918 YMCA advertisement that appeals to the audience’s emotions as it promises a safe “home away from home” for World War I soldiers.
• The famous 1918 Uncle Sam “I Want You” army recruitment poster, full of patriotic symbols and a great example of the use of tone, text, and images to evoke an emotional response.
• The famous World War II propaganda icon, Rosie the Riveter. Students will examine how Rosie’s dress, appearance, and physical pose all contribute to the poster’s overall message of female empowerment. 

This resource is a great activity for hands-on critical thinking. Designed for a Civics curriculum, it will also make a great addition to an American History education and even an English Language Arts lesson on symbolism — particularly in historical images! 

This resource is presented as a non-editable, printable PDF. It includes answer keys. It is also available digitally through TPT Easel, as well! The digital TPT Easel version can be assigned directly through Google Classroom, or you can generate a link that can be shared with your students over email or through your school’s LMS!

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