For my final project to get my certificate in museum management, I put together a small exhibit featuring some of the WWII posters we have at the Library of Virginia. LVA staff photographer Paige Buchbinder took these pictures. LVA graphic designer Christine Sisic designed the panels. Location: Library of Virginia
At its essence, advertising appeals to the emotions and concerns of the day. During World War II, the United States government mobilized the best admen to create posters that would speak to the nation on six basic propaganda themes: the nature of the enemy, the nature of our allies, the need to work, the need to fight, the need to sacrifice, and American culture. The results played on deep levels of fear, pride, duty, and victory. Some posters used ethnic stereotypes to encourage hatred of the enemy. Others became a call to arms on the home front, reminding every citizen that he or she was, in fact, a soldier of production and encouraging Americans to work hard and to sacrifice at home in order to beat the enemy and help the men fighting. Some of the messages aided the government in converting the American economy to war production. Many posters inspired pride and patriotism and reminded Americans of the basic freedoms for which they were fighting. Even if they inaccurately reflected t
"He's Watching You" 1942, Glen Grohe, Office of Emergency Management The menacing German soldier depicted here reminded people working in industry on the home front to keep the plant's secrets to themselves. The image, however, failed in many ways as some believed the helmet was representative of the Liberty Bell and others thought the menacing figure was the "boss."
"1778-1943: Americans Will Always Fight for Liberty" 1943, Bernard Palin, Office of War Information The juxtaposition of WWII and American Revolution soldiers is a visual reminder of the common fight for freedom fought during both wars. The scene stirred feelings of patriotism and made Americans proud of their troops.
"...because somebody talked!" 1944, Wesley Heyman, Office of War Information This was one of a few unsolicited poster designs used by a government agency. The spaniel’s expression conveys sadness over the loss of his loved one—signified by the gold star. The expression “…because somebody talked!” served as a reminder not to discuss sensitive military information in order to protect the troops.
"Speed the Day with War Bonds" 1944, Joseph Hirsch, U.S. Treasury Ultimately, the goal was to win the war. In order to do so, the U.S. government sold war bonds and held loan drives. This poster suggests that buying war bonds will provide the resources necessary to bring an end to the conflict.
