World War II Poster

Publisher U.S. Government Printing Office

Place U.S. Office of Defense Transportation

Period1943

MediumPoster

Dimensions28 × 22 in. (71.1 × 55.9 cm)

InscribedPrinted along bottom of poster, "OWI Poster No. 74. 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 - O - 533555"

ClassificationsBroadsides & Posters

Object numberL/A WW2.7

DescriptionThis poster features a crowded railway car packed with grim-faced men, women, and children, asking the reader "IS YOUR TRIP NECESSARY?" Text at the bottom of the poster reads "NEEDLESS TRAVEL / interferes with the War Effort / OFFICE OF DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION."
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. NotesPosters such as this urged United States citizens to avoid needless travel in order to preserve transportation resources critical to the war effort.

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