Special topics

Propaganda was not always a common or useful tool, but organized violence and warfare clearly preceded it. We can understand the context of current uses of propaganda in wartime, but why was it not necessary for warfare prior to its development? The historical context for how social solidarity relates to combat is not provided in the textbook, but would you expect this to have changed through history?

In your individual posting, identify and explain a reason why warfare and organized violence was prevalent prior to the use of propaganda.   This will be a social or political change.   Then state how and why you think the role of social solidarity's role in combat units have changed since pre-modern times.   Think back and review the chapter on pre-modern war, these may be social or technological changes.

For your group post, compile your groups answers into a post that more completely answers the questions: why was propaganda not necessary for warfare prior to its development but seen as important now?   How has the role of social solidarity evolved from pre-modern war?