This extensive graphic collection consists of posters and placards produced during World War I and prior to and during World War II. Printed by the U.S. Government, governments of Britain, France and other European countries (excluding Germany or Italy), as well as by non-governmental institutions, the posters exhort civilians and servicemen to support the war effort. Subjects of the posters include war bonds and relief funds; recruitment; safety and health; food, energy, and materials conservation; the Red Cross; women's war efforts; home defense; industrial production; and general patriotic themes. Some of the artists were prominent painters and illustrators of the time, including Ben Shahn and Norman Rockwell. The items in the collection vary in size from small placards to very large wall posters. Most of the posters are in English, but there are also posters in French, Polish, Russian, and other languages. The bulk of the posters are from World War I.
