Using Postcards as Historical Evidence
Postcards as Evidence: Political History
Postcards are not inherently political as they were often created to commemorate localities and what places existed within them. During the first few decades of the twentieth century there were a number of postcards produced that either appeared during presidential campaigns, as a means of commemorating the inauguration of a president, or to depict an important part of their presidency. Postcards were also used to depict armed conflicts and national events like suffrage and prohibition.
This postcard, titled, “Getting a Snootful of Army Life”, illustrates how postcards were created as a national form of propaganda. Richard Carline discusses that while postcards were usually used to commemorate a place they could also be used to reflect people’s interests and feelings.
Discussion Questions
- What impact have propaganda postcards had on American culture?
