Heartfield differed from his Dada contemporaries in that he used photmontage for political ends, instead of simply mocking art and art appreciators, though he did that as well, in his early years in the Dada movement.

HEARTFIELD'S APPROACH TO PHOTOMONTAGE

By 1920, was interested in finding new ways to serve the Communist cause more directly. Heartfield used photography as it was the most accessible visual medium for a non-specialist mass audience. He was interested in experimenting with various forms of mass production and distribution, including book jackets, posters, magazines, newspapers, calendars and pamphlets. In doing so, he sought to break down the traditional distinction between fine and applied arts.