This American World War II propaganda poster first published in 1943, features the saying “American will always fight for liberty” in the lower center of the poster. “Americans” is written in bold blue and all caps locks and below in somewhat smaller but darker blue writing is “will always fight for liberty” and the “always” is underlined to stress the importance. The “Americans” is written so largely in order to catch the viewer’s attention, because that is who the poster is addressing, Americans. It does this also by the American flag arm patch on the soldier’s uniform sleeve and by the old flag standing in the background. On the left and darker side more towards the back stand American soldiers from 1778. They stand strongly in rows, firmly holding their guns, looking on proudly and confidently, and with their legs shoulder’s width apart. By showing American Revolution soldiers who gave their lives to fight for freedom and liberty, it shows fighting for liberty as an American duty. Also by showing the old American flag it shows how as Americans we originated from this dedication to liberty. On the right, the soldiers of World War II march in unison in a line slightly closer to the viewer. By walking together it represents how Americans are united towards a single cause, liberty. They hold their guns firmly in their right hands, just like the soldiers before them (those of the American Revolution), with their heads turned towards the other soldiers as if for guidance.
Like many propaganda posters during World War II, this poster increased nationalism and sparked patriotism in civilians. It also creates a subtle urge for the viewer to enlist in the United States armed forces. Its creator uses the American idea of the importance of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” from the Declaration of Independence through his idea of American “always fighting for liberty” since America was founded. It adds to this idea by using American Revolution soldiers as an example of the American pursuit of liberty. The goal of the poster is to persuade Americans to unite in order to instill liberty. In order to do this, it makes it seem necessary to fight against the enemies of America, those who do not believe in liberty, or else there would be no need to fight them. This poster and many like it were used by the US government during World War II in order to get civilians involved in the war. It didn’t matter if you fought in the war or not, although most did, because World War II was a total war, it affected everyone. Posters like this, that got civilian involvement in the war is what made that possible.
This World War II propaganda poster represents another angle of persistence and dedication, patriotism. The patriotism this poster promoted is a perfect example of civilian persistence and dedication to their country and this nationalism promoting poster spread these ideas. It did this by depicting American dedication and persistence towards a certain uniting cause, the pursuit of liberty, and then calling out at Americans to ensure the persistence and dedication.
"1778, 1943 : Americans Will Always Fight for Liberty." UNT Digital Library. Web. 18 Apr. 2011.
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