Nurse, martyr, propaganda tool: The reporting of Edith Cavell in British newspapers 1915–1920
Journal: Media War & Conflict
Year: 2016

Edith Cavell’s death by a German firing squad in 1915 proved to be a significant moment for First World War propaganda. News of the British nurse’s death caused a torrent of outrage in Britain and around the world, inspired thousands of Allied troops to enlist and helped sway US opinion against Germany. Newspapers, as the principal source of communication between the government and the people, were essential in relaying this message and this article studies the roles played by the Daily Mail, th