World War II Poster

Maker U.S. Department of Treasury

Publisher U.S. Government Printing Office

Artist Robert Sloan

Period1943

MediumPoster, color

Dimensions28 × 22 in. (71.1 × 55.9 cm)

InscribedPrinted along bottom of poster, "U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1943 - O - 502782 WSS 715-A"

ClassificationsBroadsides & Posters

Credit LineGift of John B. Johnson, 1943

Object numberL/A - 7788

DescriptionAn illustrated poster depicting a blond and blue-eyed soldier wearing a bloody headwrap, gazing sternly as he asks "Doing all you can, brother?" Print below reads "BUY WAR BONDS"
Curatorial RemarksAmerica's involvement in World War II entailed the rapid expansion of its armed forces, a largescale shift in manufacturing to create military supplies, and the expansion of domestic agriculture to supply overseas troops with food. The United States government oversaw a largescale propaganda campaign to bolster patriotism, support, and military recruitment. Radio, film, and print media campaigns encouraged U.S. citizens to support and finance the war through civil defense, government-issued war bonds, war-related charitable work, rationing, and other civilian wartime responsibilities. Bold and colorfully illustrated posters were designed to elicit strong emotions stemming from the public's wartime fears and frustrations. NotesDuring World War II, over 85 million Americans bought more than $185 billion worth of war bonds, or liberty bonds, as both economic investments and displays of patriotism.

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