While the battlefields were flooded with troops, the home fronts of World War II were flooded with propaganda.
In America, citizens were inundated with posters and pamphlets promoting buying war bonds, collecting scrap metal and supporting the effort in anyway they could.
Germany, predictably, fed their civilians messages of superiority, insults to the enemy, and freeing Europe from the shackles of socialism, while Russia, fresh off the Bolshevik revolution, pushed the image of the working men and women toppling oppressive regimes. All the messaging was remarkably effective and galvanized all sides to keep on fighting.
Look back at the stunning and sometimes chilling art that was presented as inspirational.
1
"O'er The Ramparts We Watch", an often reproduced poster promoting the United States Army Air Forces.
1945
2
A poster quoting Franklin D. Roosevelt in opposition to the German book burnings.
1941
3
A Bristol Pyrometer Company advertisement highlighting the use of the company's pyrometer in manufacturing barrels for the M1 Garand.
1942
4
An American propaganda poster promoting war bonds, depicting Uncle Sam leading the United States Armed Forces into battle.
1942
5
A poster evoking the attack on Pearl Harbor and its casualties.
1942
6
A poster distributed by the Government of Pennsylvania listing ways to assist in the home front.
1942
7
A poster promoting salvaging scrap and other materials to be used in wartime manufacturing.
1942
8
A poster promoting hard work and discouraging absenteeism among workers in wartime industries.
1942
9
The famous "We Can Do It!" poster distributed during World War II.
1942
10
A poster promoting women enlist in the WAVES branch of the United States Navy Reserve.
1944
11
A poster quoting a speech from Mussolini presenting Italian fascism as strongly against peace.
1941
12
A poster promoting cooperation between Americans of different races in the war effort.
1941
13
British and Soviet servicemen over body of swastikaed dragon.
1942
14
U.S. government poster showing a friendly Red Army soldier.
1942
15
A Soviet poster promoting support for the frontline troops.
1943
16
A Soviet poster promoting production and factory work for the effort.
1942
17
A Soviet poster portraying the Big Three.
1942
18
Propaganda recruiting poster of the 27th SS Volunteer Division "Langemarck" with the title "Flemings all in the SS Langemarck!"
1943
19
Hitler Youth propaganda
1936
20
Sovet propaganda promoting weapons production.
1943
21
German propaganda poster reading “Silence! You're putting me in danger”.
1943
22
Anti-Bolshevik poster reading "Germany's Victory, Europe Free".
1941
23
German propaganda poster reading “As hard as we fight for it, you work for the victory!”
1942
