Posters of World War II
Throughout World War II posters played an important role
in influencing the American public and could be seen almost
everywhere. They were displayed in storefronts, on government
buildings, in the work place and most anywhere Americans frequented.
Posters issued by such entities as the War Information Board
served as a constant reminder that the United States and all
its citizens were engaged in a terrible struggle to save the
world from tyranny. Many posters contained dominant images
meant to evoke emotion from the viewer and encouraged them
to do their part in helping to win the war. Such slogans as
"Loose Lips Might Sink Ships" and "Your Job
Well Done May Save a Son," reminded Americans not to
discuss information regarding the war effort and to work harder.
Other posters encouraged Americans to plant "victory
gardens," participate in scrap drives and buy war bonds.
Government-issued posters were nothing new when the United
States entered World War II in 1941. Posters issued by various
local and national agencies had also played large roles in
the propaganda of the Civil War and World War I. However,
the posters of World War II are unique in their wide array
of topics and designs, which during the war encompassed approximately
twenty-two hundred different designs of posters as opposed
to only six hundred during World War I. World War II was the
only period in American History that posters were issued by
government agencies and independent companies on such a grand
scale. Companies such as Ford, Stetson, and Westinghouse joined
in the production of posters bearing such slogans as, "Keep
it Under Your Stetson," and "Back The Attack."
Students and educators may appreciate these posters not only
for their historical and social values, but for their artistic
qualities as well. Designs for posters during this period
came from a variety of sources, such as patriotic art contests,
professional graphic designers and traditional artists. Many
well known artists of the day, such as Lawrence Beale Smith,
Norman Rockwell, Robert Sloan and World War I poster designer,
Howard Chandler Christy, created some of the more widely recognized
designs.
