2. The impact of the artist on the war effort
During World War II, the United States government and its allies
launched an aggressive propaganda campaign to galvanize support for
the war effort and to warn citizens of the enemy threat. Many of these
propaganda posters contained images of children and family, hoping to
evoke feelings of concern and protection for the most vulnerable citizens.
The posters in this collection reflect the themes of fear, motivation to
support the war effort, and patriotism and pride.
4. Title: Don’t Let that Shadow Touch Them: Buy War Bonds
Artist: Lawrence Beall Smith
Year: 1942
Country: United States
Description: Poster used during World War II invoking fear to
convince American citizens to buy war bonds. Children are playing
in the shadow of the swastika.
University of Minnesota Libraries (ARTstor)
Title: Keep Those Hands Off!
Artist: Gordon K. Odell
Year: 1941-1942
Country: Canada
Description: Poster used during World War II encouraging Canadian
citizens to purchase victory bonds. The German and Japanese
enemies are depicted by the hands trying to reach the innocent
mother and child.
Canadian War Museum (National Film Board of Canada)
5. Title: Untitled
Artist: Unknown, Printed by J. Weiner Limited, London
Year: Unknown
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Lithograph, Letter Press
Description: Parents are encouraged to keep their children out
of the cities in Great Britain to protect them from the German
Army. The depiction of Hitler leaning over, whispering in the
mother’s ear invokes fear in citizens, further encouraging them
to keep their children safe by staying in the country. The black
and white illustration is contrasted by red, bold letters with the
warning.
Imperial War Museums (VADS)
copyright IWM (Art.IWM PST 3095)
7. Title: Every Penny Helps!
Artist: Betty Patterson
Year: Unknown
Country: Australia
Description: This lithograph depicts a small child who is
about to deposit a penny in the donation box for the Red
Cross. The red bow, shirt and words draw the attention of
the viewer and let you know that even the smallest effort
can make a difference in the war.
Imperial War Museums (VADS)
copyright IWM (Art.IWM PST 16642)
8. Title: Service on the Home Front
Artist: Louis Hirshman and Louis Tasker
Year: 1943
Country: United States
Medium: Silkscreen
Description: Citizens are encouraged to help in the war
effort in a variety of ways. Mother, father and daughter
appear determined and ready to do their part to help win
the war. Appeals to men, women, and children.
Library of Congress
10. Title: Daddy Helps Build Them
Artist: Unknown, Published by the Director General of Aircraft
Production, British Aeroplane Engines Limited
Year: Unknown
Country: Canada, Great Britain
Description: This lithograph depicts three Canadian bombers in the
air as a brother and sister comment on how their father is helping to
build the war planes.
Imperial War Museums
copyright IWM (Art.IWM PST 16016)
(VADS)
11. Title: Don’t Let Anything Happen to Them: Keep ‘ em Firing!
Artist: Unknown, Created by General Motors Corporation
Year: 1942
Country: United States
Description: This lithograph depicts a mother and two children
reading in their home, contrasted by the Nazi planes dropping
bombs. The image of United States aircraft and an armored
tank below encourage Americans to support General Motors,
who helped to produce machinery and parts used to fight the
war.
University of Minnesota Libraries (ARTstor)
12. Title: Ours…to fight for Freedom From Fear
Artist: Norman Rockwell
Date: 1943
Country: United States
Description: One of the four freedoms are depicted in
this poster. Rockwell also created three additional
posters for each of the freedoms mentioned in President
Roosevelt’s speech. The sleeping children are tucked
safely in bed, while the father holds a newspaper with
war headlines.
Original oil painting at the Norman Rockwell Museum,
Massachusetts
Poster image from Library of Congress (ARTstor)
