Commercial advertising usually takes the positive
note in normal times . . .
But these are not normal times; this is not
even a normal war; it's hell's ideal of human
catastrophy [sic], so menace and fear motives
are a definite part of publicity programs, including
the visual.
--Statement on Current Information Objective
Office of Facts and Figures
Public relations specialists advised the
U.S. Government that the most effective war posters were the ones that appealed to the emotions.
The posters shown here played on the public's fear of the enemy. The images depict Americans in
imminent danger-their backs against the wall, living in the shadow of Axis domination.
WARNING! Our
Homes Are in Danger Now!
Produced by
the General Motors Corporation, 1942
NARA Still Picture Branch
(NWDNS-44-PA-2314)
(Click on poster
for
high-resolution image)
Keep These
Hands Off! by G. K. Odell
A study of
commercial posters undertaken by the U.S. Government
found that images of women and children in danger
were effective emotional devices. The Canadian
poster at right was part of the study and served
as a model for American posters, such as the one
below, that adopted a similar visual theme.
How to Make Posters That Will Help Win the
War, Office of Facts and Figures
NARA Still Picture
Branch
(NWDNS-44-PA-124)
(Click on poster for
high-resolution image)
Don`t
Let That Shadow Touch Them by Lawrence B. Smith,
1942
Produced for
the Government
Printing Office
for the U.S. Treasury
NARA Still Picture Branch
(NWDNS-44-PA-124)
(Click
on poster for
high-resolution image)
We`re Fighting to
Prevent This by C. R. Miller
Think America Institute,
Kelly Read & Co.
NARA Still Picture Branch
(NWDNS-44-PA-2376)
