Judge — July 6, 1918 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Spies and Lies" - WWI Propaganda This is a WWI-era public service announcement from the Committee on Public Information (a U.S. government propaganda agency). The grainy photograph shows what appears to be people exchanging documents or information clandestinely. The message warns Americans against discussing military information with anyone, as German spies are actively gathering intelligence. The text emphasizes that even seemingly harmless details about "our men, our ships, our munitions" can be pieced together into actionable intelligence that endangers American soldiers. The advertisement instructs citizens to report suspected spies to the Department of Justice and warns that casual conversation—even with friends or family—could aid the enemy. This reflects the intense domestic surveillance paranoia and emphasis on civilian vigilance characteristic of American WWI mobilization.