American Posters in World War I

In early 20th century America, posters were spread widely in order to help the war efforts. Some proclaimed “Victory begins at home!”, and others, “Let us unite to Americanize America!” This time period also included the early years of the pledge of allegiance, which helped Americans find their true patriotism. The overall purpose of these posters and the pledge of allegiance were to help civilian citizens enhance their support of the war and of their troops. Struggles can be won with extra support from people uninvolved. Wars can be swung with the help of a country’s citizens, who can raise funds, send supplies, and exemplifying the values of the army. World War I was one of the first global wars that showed this idea that civilians could swing the war in their countries favor. America used propaganda as well as fact to help rally its civilian citizens in favor of their troops. The first and most important means they used were posters. Some posters attempted to convince civilians to enlist, while many similarly tried to strike at the citizens’ patriotism. Others were targeted at women and children, urging them to do whatever they could for the war. Finally, an overwhelming majority of the posters told people to save their food and dictating which were the best foods to eat for your country. American patriotism was likely the most prevalent in the time period of the first World War as evident in the posters.
Hundreds of posters were distributed in the 1910’s and 20’s throughout the United States of America. The posters that tried to rally citizens for the war were apparently set apart from the others. The first group of war posters had the goal of convincing men to enlist. With more and more recruits, the army grew larger and was therefore more formidable. For example, one poster depicts a gigantic Navy enlistee standing on water and proclaims, “Your country needs you now. The Navy: Our First line of defense…Enlist!” Another wanted people to join the “Pershing’s Crusaders”. Many of these propaganda posters used iconic figures, like the most well-known, Uncle Sam, or strong and powerful looking women dressed in American flags. For example, a vivid red, white, and blue poster shows “Uncle Sam’s Birthday” on July 4 and says that America has been going “142 years strong.” Uncle Sam was an influential figure, as was evident in the numerous posters bearing his name. Each of these posters depicting a different scene or asking for different things, all add up to the amazing patriotism shown by America in World War I.
As the enlisting posters were focused on the adult male population, other posters tried to target women and children. Although they could not enlist, women did their part in the war as dictated by many propaganda posters. Women were shown doing their part in posters including “The Stage Women’s War Relief” and “Serve Without Using a Gun”. An interesting poster depicted the famous French hero Joan of Arc in full armor with a sword and said, “Joan of Arc saved France…Women of America save your country.” Along with the women’s posters came the children’s posters. The main goal was for children to know their country and be patriotic, so that in future they would want to enlist. From one poster, it was apparent that from April 6, 1918, to April 6, 1919, America recognized “Children’s Year.” Clearly the idea was to stress that parents should be educating their children and instilling a sense of patriotism in them. Another poster showed a young American and stated, “Little Americans Do Your Bit…Save the wheat for our soldiers. Leave nothing on Your Plate.” Finally, one of the most clear posters declared, “A million boys behind a million fighters…Every American boy should enlist in the Victory Boys!” With the help of these posters, women and children of America were an influential factor in World War I.
The posters directed toward women and children usually stated things not about enlisting but about what they could do at home for the war. Of course, there were not many things that civilians could do in war effort. The main objective of civilians was to save food for the soldiers overseas. The large majority of the propaganda posters in America was focused on the production, preservation, and correct use of food. For example, in large print one poster simply states, “Don’t stop saving food.” Others advised citizens what to eat, like cottage cheese (so that less meat was eaten) or fruit and vegetable packs. Meanwhile, another poster claimed, “Food will win the War! You came here seeking freedom, now you must preserve it…WASTE NOTHING!” Each food poster had a seal at the bottom from the United States Food Federation. With the posters, the American government did a good job of administrating the distribution and preservation of food.
America, of course, was not the only country to use propaganda posters. However, the effectiveness of the American posters was likely not matched by any other World War I country. America’s posters were responsible for much of the enlistment in the army. They also included ideas and advice for women and children. Finally, the posters were helpful in controlling food distribution. Posters were the main instrument and tool by which America’s citizens were rallied.