World War I Posters
ReadThe impact of posters during the World War I-era was greater than at any other time in American history. Posters disseminated important information, garnered support, called people to action, and boosted morale. LancasterHistory.org's extensive WWI poster collection includes posters that tell a complex story of the United States' involvement in The Great War and the issues that faced our nation.
Finance Posters
During World War I, many posters were aimed at raising money to finance the expensive war, often in the form of "liberty bonds." Many emphasize the human sacrifices already made and appeal to Americans' sense of patriotic duty. Posters for war bonds and funds often use numismatic imagery to illustrate their point.
Invest in the victory liberty loan they kept the sea lanes open (1919) by Victory Liberty Loan/L.A. ShaferLancasterHistory
Sure! We’ll Finish the Job. (1918) by Victory Liberty Loan/Gerrit A. BenekerLancasterHistory
They shall not perish (1918) by American Committee for relief in the Near East/Douglas VolkLancasterHistory
Americans all! (1919) by Victory Liberty Loan/Howard Chandler ChristyLancasterHistory
Must children die and mothers plead in vain? Buy more Liberty Bonds (1918) by Everett, Walter H.LancasterHistory
For home and country (1918) by Victory Liberty Loan/Alfred Everitt OrrLancasterHistory
And they thought we couldn't fight (1917) by Victory Liberty Loan/Clyde ForsytheLancasterHistory
Remember Argonne...and invest (1918) by Victory Liberty Loan/Sackett & Wilhelms Corp.LancasterHistory
Food Posters
American relief organizations were shipping food overseas even before the United States entered the war. Americans were encouraged to adjust their eating habits to conserve food that could be sent abroad. In addition to going "meatless" and "wheatless," victory gardens and canning became popular ways to serve the war effort from the home front.
The spirit of '18--The world cry, food--Keep the home garden going (1918) by US Food Administration/William McKeeLancasterHistory
Save the products of the land--Eat more fish-they feed themselves (1917) by US Food Administration/ Charles Livingston BullLancasterHistory
Food Will Win the War (1917) by US Food Administration/ C.E. ChambersLancasterHistory
Eat less, and let us be thankful that we have enough to share with those who fight for freedom (1918) by US Food Administration/A. HendeeLancasterHistory
Recruitment Posters
In addition to recruiting men to enlist in the US military, posters focused on recruiting Americans to serve their country on the home front. The United States Shipping Board began a massive wartime program to increase ship production through its Emergency Fleet Corporation. Laborers such as welders and riveters were desperately needed in these shipbuilding operations.
On the job for victory (1918) by United States Shipping Board, Emergency Fleet Corporation/Jonas LieLancasterHistory
The ships are coming (1917) by United States Shipping Board, Emergency Fleet Corporation/James H. DaughertyLancasterHistory
Relief Posters
During World War I, non-government humanitarian organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), embraced the challenge of providing aid to those in need, including American troops abroad. These organizations created posters, aimed primarily at women on the home front, for the purposes of fundraising and boosting support for their efforts abroad.
Avez vous place / dans votre coeur / pour nous / "Have you room in your heart for us." (1918) by Fatherless Children of France, Inc.LancasterHistory
The greatest mother in the world (1918) by American Red Cross/A. E. ForingerLancasterHistory
From the beginning of the war, the American Red Cross provided relief in Europe with doctors, nurses, and medical supplies. When the US entered the war in April 1917, the Red Cross was tasked with aiding American servicemen in Europe. In addition to mobilizing more than 20,000 nurses and building 54 hospitals overseas, the Red Cross provided a way for patriotic men, women and children back home to contribute to war relief.
You can help (1918) by American Red Cross/W. T. Benda.LancasterHistory
A little starving child brought back to life, because you went without some luxury (1917) by Red Cross War FundLancasterHistory
Have you a Red Cross service flag? (1918) by American Red Cross/Jessie Willcox SmithLancasterHistory
Motherless, fatherless, starving--How much to save these little lives? (1917) by American Red Cross/War Fund WeekLancasterHistory
Have you answered the Red Cross Christmas roll call? (1918) by American Red Cross/Harrison FisherLancasterHistory
I summon you to the comradeship - Woodrow Wilson Answer the Red Cross Christmas roll call for universal membership (1918) by American Red Cross/LM MielzinerLancasterHistory
See Him Through (1918) by Knights of Columbus United War Work Campaign/Burton RiceLancasterHistory
From November 11-18, 1918, an effort to raise $170 million to provide entertainment for American troops abroad, called the "United War Work Campaign" began. Seven non-governmental organizations participated in this campaign: The American Library Association, Jewish Welfare Board, Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army, War Camp Community Service, Young Men’s Christian Association and Young Women’s Christian Association.
Keep 'em smiling! Help War Camp Community Service "Morale is winning the war" (1918) by United War Work Campaign/M. Leone BrackerLancasterHistory
General Pershing YMCA poster (1918) by United War Work Campaign/S.J. WaukLancasterHistory
During the war, the YMCA became the caretakers for the "general welfare" of American troops. They provided letter-writing materials, organized canteens, hosted dances and other entertainments, and even managed the mail. The YMCA efforts helped troops (mostly young men overseas for the first time) to feel connected to home, and helped those on the home front stay in touch with their soldiers.
Y.M.C.A.—For Your Boy (1918) by United War Work Campaign/Arthur Wiliam BrownLancasterHistory
Soldiers--Sailors & Women Guests--Welcome to the YWCA Hostess House (1917) by YWCA/Walter TittleLancasterHistory
Visit LancasterHistory.org to learn more about Lancaster's involvement in World War I, or to make an appointment to view a poster from our collection.
