The National Archives Powers of Persuasion
Poster Art from WW II

Guns, tanks, and bombs were the principal weapons of World War II, but there were other, more subtle forms of warfare as well. Words, posters, and films waged a constant battle for the hearts and minds of the American citizenry just as surely as military weapons engaged the enemy. More..

The exhibition is in two parts:

Part 1

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Man the Guns!

It`s a Woman`s War Too!

United We Win

Use It Up, Wear It Out

Four Freedoms

Victory Waits on Your Fingers...Keep 'Em Flying, Miss U.S.A.

Part 2

Warning! Our Homes Are in Danger Now!

This is Nazi Brutality

He`s Watching You

He Knew the Meaning of Sacrifice!

Stamp `Em Out!

 

It Takes Less than a Minute for a Man to Die...'Killing Time' Can Kill Men Too!

In these posters, pictures of fists, muscles, tools, and artillery convey American strength. Patriotic colors of red, white, and blue predominate as national symbols and heroes appeal to patriotism.

These posters confront the viewer with the frightening stakes of the war and its human cost. Dark, earthen colors appear in portrayals of imperiled citizens, as well as dead and wounded soldiers.
 
Audio Files

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Introduction|About this Exhibit|Parts 1 and 2

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