A war poster is a type of propaganda which is used to rally troops, enlist support, and spread awareness of a conflict Posters tend to feature dramatic, persuasive images and slogans which emphasize the importance of the conflict and encourage support. War posters can also be used to solicit financial contributions or to recruit volunteers.
The following are five of the most iconic war posters in history:
1. Lord Kitchener's WWI Recruitment Poster (1914) – This poster features a portrait of Lord Kitchener, who was the British Secretary of State for War at the time. The poster was a call to enlist in the army and featured the slogan, “Your Country Needs You.” The image of Kitchener looking sternly into the distance has become one of the most iconic images of the First World War.
2. “Uncle Sam Wants You” WWI Recruitment Poster (1917) – This poster features Uncle Sam, a popular symbol of the United States, pointing directly at the audience and declaring, “I want YOU for U.S. Army.” It was created to recruit soldiers for the American Expeditionary Force during World War I.
3. “We Can Do It!” WWII Propaganda Poster (1943) – This poster was designed to encourage women to join the war effort by joining the workforce to fill the roles of men who had gone off to fight. The poster’s message of female empowerment and strength became an iconic symbol of the wartime spirit, and has since been reproduced in popular culture.
4. “Loose Lips Sink Ships” WWII Propaganda Poster (1943) – This poster featured a sailor warning citizens not to talk about military plans or ships sailing. It was intended to discourage citizens from divulging sensitive information that could be used by the enemy.
5. “We Will Never Quit” Vietnam War Propaganda Poster (1961) – This poster celebrated the resolve and courage of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Its message was one of patriotism and perseverance. The poster’s design features a soldier in silhouette against a red, white, and blue background.