It may sound strange to us today, but the poster was a primary form of mass communication in the age before radio, as new printing technologies made it economical to mass produce colorful signs. As a result, the poster was key to the propaganda campaigns almost all combating nations directed towards their own citizens to support their war efforts. Every major country pulled out all the stops to reinforce the civilian duty of sacrifice and loyalty. It is estimated that more than 20,000 different posters were produced.

War Art at the Museum

The posters were also often remarkable works of art and cultural messaging. Renown artists and writers of the day were often employed. Julia and I became fascinated with these posters when we visited The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City last year. The museum delivers a stunning portrait of World War I as it chronicles the nearly incomprehensible death and destruction that occurred over the roughly four years of battle (July 1914 – November 1918).

Seeing some of these wartime posters* up close helped us to understand how countries sought to instill unquestioning patriotism using themes ranging from hope to fear, bravery to guilt, destiny to hatred, strength to submission. For instance, Germany often used medieval warrior imagery in its artwork, as seen below left. The verbiage on the poster under the clinched armored fist starts out “This is the only way to peace – “. To the right is a poster from Great Britain. The perspective is at a time after the war, when the man is now older and a father. The message is one of guilt and regret for his absence in the war effort.