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After the United States entry in World War I, government officials realized that posters were an extremely effective means of communicating information to the general public. Some of America’s finest artists, graphic designers, magazine illustrators, advertising agents and commercial artists contributed to their designs. They were called upon to design for a variety of causes, including recruitment, conservation, solicitation of donations for relief groups, war propaganda, and the various loan campaigns.

The posters were meant to have widespread appeal and were often colorful, with simple legible messages. The majority of the designs followed themes of patriotism and unity. Patriotic symbols such as the Statue of Liberty, the American Flag, Uncle Sam, the Liberty Bell and easily recognizable government buildings were often depicted in the posters. Posters were displayed in libraries, schools, town halls, factories, churches, bus and train stations. Merchants, restaurant owners, and grocers were also encouraged to exhibit them.

The widespread distribution and display of these posters kept the American public apprised of the country’s war needs. They were a visual call to arms for all citizens.

This is a sampling of American War Posters from the Print Department's collection of more than 500 such posters.

81 photos | 11,882 views

items are from between 29 Aug 2007 & 10 Oct 2008.

Rationing means a fair share for all of us by Boston Public Library
Because somebody talked! by Boston Public Library
Save waste fats by Boston Public Library
Civil Air Patrol. Eyes of the home skies. by Boston Public Library
A careless word... a needless sinking by Boston Public Library
You can't afford to miss either! Buy war bonds every payday by Boston Public Library
Plant a victory garden. Our food is fighting by Boston Public Library
We have just begun to fight! by Boston Public Library
Pitch in and help! Join the Women's Land Army of the U.S. Crop Corps by Boston Public Library
Enlist in a proud profession! Join the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps by Boston Public Library
Books are weapons in the war of ideas by Boston Public Library
America needs your scrap rubber by Boston Public Library
We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain...  remember Dec. 7th! by Boston Public Library
Join the WAC ...this is my war, too by Boston Public Library
Be with him at every mail call. V mail is private, reliable, patriotic. by Boston Public Library
The sky's the limit! Keep buying war bonds by Boston Public Library
Fire away! Buy extra bonds by Boston Public Library
Save waste fats for explosives. Take them to your meat dealer by Boston Public Library
A careless word… a needless sinking by Boston Public Library
Serve those who served. Nurses are needed in Veterans Administration hospitals by Boston Public Library
Rationing means a fair share for us all by Boston Public Library
Strong in the strength of the Lord. We who fight in the people's cause will never stop until that cause is won by Boston Public Library
United we are strong. United we will win by Boston Public Library
If you tell where he's going... he may never get there! by Boston Public Library
O'er the ramparts we watch. United States Army Air Forces by Boston Public Library
1778, 1943.  Americans will always fight for liberty by Boston Public Library
If you tell where he's going... he may never get there! by Boston Public Library
Millions of troops are on the move... is your trip necessary? by Boston Public Library
Bits of careless talk are pieced together by the enemy by Boston Public Library
Of course I can! I'm as patriotic as can be -- and ration points won't worry me! by Boston Public Library
Care is costly. Buy war bonds & stamps by Boston Public Library
Rationing means a fair share for all of us by Boston Public Library
War fund. Your Red Cross is at his side by Boston Public Library
Be a Cadet Nurse. The girl with a future! by Boston Public Library
Your victory garden counts more than ever! by Boston Public Library
Doing all you can, brother? Buy war bonds by Boston Public Library
This is the enemy by Boston Public Library
I've found the job where I fit best! Find your war job in industry, agriculture, business by Boston Public Library
Give 'em both barrels by Boston Public Library
Americans suffer when careless talk kills! by Boston Public Library
Work on a farm… this summer by Boston Public Library
Save waste fats for explosives. Take them to your meat dealer by Boston Public Library
Less dangerous than careless talk. Don't discuss troop movements, ship sailings, war equipment by Boston Public Library
Don't shiver next winter… order coal now! by Boston Public Library
Ten years ago, the Nazis burned these books… but free Americans can still read them by Boston Public Library
Save freedom of speech. Buy war bonds by Boston Public Library
Sailor beware! Loose talk can cost lives by Boston Public Library
Here's a war job for you! by Boston Public Library
Loose talk can cost lives by Boston Public Library
Loose talk can cause this by Boston Public Library
Jewish war sufferers. Shall they plead in vain? by Boston Public Library
Knowledge wins. Public library books are free by Boston Public Library
Over the top for you. Buy U.S. Gov't bonds, Third Liberty Loan by Boston Public Library
E-E-E-Yah-Yip. Go over with U.S. Marines by Boston Public Library
My daddy bought me a government bond of the Third Liberty Loan, did yours? by Boston Public Library
Victory is a question of stamina by Boston Public Library
Food will win the war. Wheat is needed for the allies by Boston Public Library
Order coal now by Boston Public Library
Join the air service. Give 'er the gun by Boston Public Library
Have you a Red Cross service flag? by Boston Public Library

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