Art and Propaganda in Republican Spain
Lesson Overview
As Robert Merriman, first commander of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, wrote in his diary
upon arrival in Spain in early 1937,
Barcelona beautiful.
Streets aflame with posters
of all parties for all causes....
This lesson examines the role of art and propaganda in mobilizing resistance to Fascism
before the fall of the Spanish Republic. Students will engage in visual and historical inquiries
into the archival collections of wartime poster contained within ALBA, as well as the
Shouts
from the Wall
exhibit, and
The Visual Front
exhibit from University of California at San
Diego. The
Shouts from the Wall
is an exhibit, curated by Peter Carroll and Cary Nelson,
containing 34 examples of Spanish Civil War political art done by many of the leading
Spanish artists of the time. The exhibit is accompanied by explanatory wall text, black and
white photographs, and an illustrated catalogue.
By focusing upon these uses of poster art, students will be able to recognize the power visual
imagery to convey complicated ideas of loyalty, responsibility and dedication to a cause.
As a result, students can develop a deeper understanding of the urgency to communicate
both the immediate needs to defend the Republic, and some of its wider political and social
goals.
Learning Outcomes:
During this lesson, students will
Examine the role of graphic arts in communicating fundamental principles of the
Spanish Republic
Identify key components of posters used within the Spanish Republic
Reflect on the power of images in influencing public opinion and behavior in
their own lives.
Extend this lesson by comparing and contrasting these images with other
examples of visual propaganda used during the Second World War
Suggested Grade Levels: 9-12 grade
Subject Areas: World History, 20
th
Century History, Civics
Lesson Duration: 3-5 days based on 50 minute class periods.
Resources (within the site, external links, suggested readings, videos etc.)
Selected sections of the ALBA site
Selected sections of
Shouts from the Wall
online archive
Selected sections of
The Visual Front
online archive
Selections from the
German Propaganda Archive
Selections from the
World War II Poster Collection
, Northwestern University
