The Civil War was a pivotal event in American history It was a conflict between the northern and southern states that lasted from 1861 to 1865, and resulted in the deaths of more than 600,000 people. During this time, posters were used to spread messages of patriotism, recruit soldiers, encourage Union support, and rally against the Confederacy.
The first use of posters in America began during the American Revolution and continued through the Civil War. Posters typically included a message, a visual image, and a call to action. During the Civil War, posters were used to raise funds for soldiers, encourage loyalty to the Union, and call for troops. Over the years, the imagery used in these posters has become iconic and they are known as some of the most influential pieces of Civil War propaganda.
Here are the five best examples of Civil War posters ever created:
1. “Uncle Sam's Call for Volunteers”: This poster was created in 1861 by illustrator James E. Taylor and it depicts Uncle Sam pointing at a call for volunteers to join the Union army. It also includes a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “I call on all loyal citizens to rally around the flag of our Union and fight for the preservation of our nation.” This poster was instrumental in recruiting a large number of able-bodied men to fight in the war.
2. “Union Now and Forever”: This poster was created in 1862 by artist Nathaniel Currier. It features a man standing in the center with his arms crossed, surrounded by allegorical representations of liberty, justice, and peace. The man is shouting “Union Now and Forever”, a rallying cry for northern support. This poster was a powerful symbol of unity during the Civil War.
3. “Brother Against Brother”: This poster was created in 1863 by illustrator Thomas Nast and it depicts a soldier from the Union and Confederate armies fighting each other. The caption reads “Brother Against Brother,” a stark reminder of the tragic cost of the war. This poster was meant to remind Americans of the intimate cost of war and to encourage support for the Union.
4. “Remember Fort Sumter”: This poster was created in 1863 by artist Winslow Homer. It depicts a woman weeping in front of a picture of Fort Sumter, which had been the site of the first battle of the Civil War. The caption reads “Remember Fort Sumter.” This poster reminded northern citizens of the tragedy of war and of the need to fight for a unified nation.
5. “Women of the North”: This poster was created in 1865 by artist Eliza Greatorex. It features an image of a woman wearing a white dress and holding the flag of the Union. The caption reads “Women of the North” and the poster was used to encourage support for the Union among northern women. This poster was an important example of how women became involved in the Civil War effort.
These five Civil War posters are some of the most influential pieces of propaganda ever created. They have become iconic symbols of the Civil War, and stand as a powerful reminder of the tragedies of war and the need to fight for a unified nation.