World War II Poster

Publisher U.S. Government Printing Office

Period1943

MediumPoster, color

Dimensions28 × 22 in. (71.1 × 55.9 cm)

InscribedPrinted along bottom of poster, "OWI Poster No. 23. Additional copies may be obtained upon request from the Division of Public Inquiries, Office of War Information, Washington, D.C." "U.S. Government Printing Office 1943"

ClassificationsBroadsides & Posters

Credit LineGift of John B. Johnson, 1943

Object numberL/A - 7872

DescriptionA stark poster depicting a soldier's gear hanging from a white wooden cross. The poster reads "a careless word / ...another cross."
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. NotesThis poster emphasized the importance of secrecy in preserving national security during wartime, urging citizens to avoid sharing military information or any other "careless words" that might sabotage war efforts.

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