Press propaganda as a tool of social communication - the historical perspective

Research concerning social communication is important for analysing techniques of reinforcing power. In the article, press propaganda is regarded as one of key tools of social communication in the contemporary world. The purpose of the article was to outline the definition of propaganda, which seems neglected in our times, as well as the conditions and specificity of using it, based on the historical perspective. Information obtained, based on selected examples, contributes to the development of knowledge of tools and the role of social communication. Cited historical events allowed to draw conclusions on the influence of propaganda on the daily life of citizens, including those, who gather knowledge and build their opinions on the basis of press releases. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the possibilities of conscious intensification of propaganda activity to spread the views aimed at the development of societies and regions. The article has five major parts, with introduction and conclusion: the first, which content is related to the definition of propaganda, the second presenting selected theoreticians and practitioners of propaganda, the third describing the beginnings of press propaganda within the territory of Poland, the fourth showing the possibilities of application of propaganda at the verge of the 19th and 20th century, and the last showing an example of actions of the Nazi occupants concerning the press propaganda in the territory of Poland during World War II. Publications of authors such as, in the theoretical part, S. Kuśmierski or H. Jabłoński, and, in the practical part, A. Bullock, E. Rudzki or S. Piotrowski were particularly helpful in studying the topic.