The Need for Vigilance

While Americans in WWI were not indifferent to security issues given the unrestricted German submarine warfare in the Atlantic, this theme found little expression in the posters of this period. In contrast, a raft of powerfully designed and pointedly messaged posters addressed this theme in WWII. The striking success of the German military in Western Europe in 1940 and the shocking results of Japan’s strike on Pearl Harbor were both attributed, in part, to the work of spies and saboteurs. Military personnel and civilians received a clear message that “loose lips” had the most dire consequences.

POSTERS

This World Cannot Exist Half Slave And Half Free

Title: "This World Cannot Exist Half Slave And Half Free/ Buy War Bonds"

Artist: B. Rig

Sponsor: John Wyeth & Brothers, Inc.


Ten Years Ago The Nazis Burned These Books

Title: “Ten Years Ago, Nazis Burned These Books, But Free Americans Can Still Read Them”

Date: 1943

Sponsor: Office of War Information


For Peace and Security Buy Bonds

Title: “For Peace and Security Buy Bonds”

Artist: Linn Ball

Date: 1945

Sponsor: Treasury Department


Americans Will Always Fight For Liberty

Title: “Americans Will Always Fight For Liberty

Artist: B. Perlin

Date: 1943

Sponsor: Office of War Information


The Dutch Fight on to Victory

Title: “Dutch Fight On To Victory”

Sponsor: Evanston War Chest


United We Are Strong

Title: "United We Are Strong, United We Win”

Artist: Koerner

Date: 1943

Sponsor: Office of War Information


Watch What You Write

Title: “Your Pen—An Enemy Weapon? Not If You Keep What You Know To Yourself! Watch What You Write”

Date: 1943

Sponsor: U.S. Army Recruiting Publicity Bureau


A Careless Word, a Needless Loss

Title: “A Careless Word, A Needless Loss”

Artist: Anton Otto Fischer

Date: 1943

Sponsor: Office of War Information


Careless Talk Got There First

Title: “Careless Talk Got There First”

Artist: Ray Prahaska

Date: 1944


[back to Art for War's Sake main page]