World War II Poster

Maker U.S. Public Health Service

Maker U.S. Federal Security Agency

Artist Edmundson

Period1943

MediumPoster, color

Dimensions28 × 20 in. (71.1 × 50.8 cm)

InscribedPrinted along bottom of poster, "U.S. Public Health Service Federal Security Agency"

SignedSigned, "Edmundson"

ClassificationsBroadsides & Posters

Credit LineGift of John B. Johnson, 1943

Object numberL/A WW2.5

DescriptionAn illustrated poster of a proud young woman in a U.S. Cadet Nurse uniform; text reads "Enlist in a Proud Profession! / JOIN THE / U.S. CADET NURSE CORPS." A text box at the bottom of the poster reads "A Lifetime Education - / FREE! / IF YOU CAN QUALIFY"
Curatorial RemarksAmerica's involvement in World War II entailed the rapid expansion of its armed forces, a largescale shift in manufacturing to create military supplies, and the expansion of domestic agriculture to supply overseas troops with food. The United States government oversaw a largescale propaganda campaign to bolster patriotism, support, and military recruitment. Radio, film, and print media campaigns encouraged U.S. citizens to support and finance the war through civil defense, government-issued war bonds, war-related charitable work, rationing, and other civilian wartime responsibilities. Bold and colorfully illustrated posters were designed to elicit strong emotions stemming from the public's wartime fears and frustrations. NotesMassive manpower needs during World War II created numerous economic and professional opportunities for women. Tens of thousands of women joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, serving in field hospitals as well as on hospital trains, ships, and transport planes. This unprecedented need for nurses completely redefined the size and scope of the profession. From 1943 to 1948, the U.S. government offered free education to qualified nursing students.

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