By: Madison Horne

These World War II Propaganda Posters Rallied the Home Front

As the U.S. sent troops to the front lines, artists were recruited to encourage those at home to do their part.

Rosie the RIveter
MPI/Getty Images
Published: October 12, 2018Last Updated: July 17, 2025

When Britain and France declared war on Germany in 1939, Americans were divided over whether to join the war effort. It wouldn't be until the surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 that the United States would be thrust into World War II. Once U.S. troops were sent to the front lines, hundreds of artists were put to work to create posters that would rally support on the home front.

Citizens were invited to purchase war bonds and take on factory jobs to support production needs for the military. As men were sent to battlefields, women were asked to branch out and take on jobs as riveters, welders and electricians.

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To conserve resources for the war effort, posters encouraged carpooling to save on gas, warned against food waste, and urged people to collect scrap metal for recycling into military materials. In the spring of 1942, rationing programs were implemented that set limits on everyday purchases.

While many posters touted positive patriotic messages, some tapped fear to rally support for the Allied side and caution against leaking information to spies. "Loose lips sink ships" became a famous saying. Meanwhile, graphic images depicted a blood-thirsty Adolph Hitler and racist imagery of Japanese people with sinister, exaggerated features.

Today, the posters offer a glimpse into the nation's climate during World War II and how propaganda was used to link the home front to the front lines.

The image features a vibrant display of various vegetables, including tomatoes, peas, and carrots, against a backdrop of a scenic countryside with a cloudy sky. The text at the top emphasizes the importance of a "victory garden" during wartime.K.J. Historical/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Victory Garden

During the war, labor and transportation shortages made it hard to harvest and move fruits and vegetables to markets. So the government encouraged citizens to plant “Victory Gardens” to grow their own produce. Nearly 20 million Americans dug in.

A vintage propaganda poster depicts a crowded car filled with people, with the text "It's off to work we go!" and "Help win the war - Squeeze in one more" encouraging wartime mobilization.Hulton Archive/Getty Images

“Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It’s Off to Work We Go!"

The government strongly encouraged carpooling to conserve fuel for the war effort.

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World War II PosterK.J. Historical/Corbis/Getty Images

Who Talked?

There was constant concern that people might spill facts that could find their way into enemy hands.

World War II PosterBettmann Archive/Getty Images

Maybe She's a Spy

Men were admonished to be cautious around women who might be spies.

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World War II PosterHulton Archive/Getty Images

Riding With Hitler

It became unpatriotic, even treasonous, to drive to work alone.

World War II PosterThe LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

He's a Maneater!

This British propaganda poster features Nazi leader Adolf Hitler depicted as a monster.

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Citation Information

Article title
These World War II Propaganda Posters Rallied the Home Front
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
October 15, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
July 17, 2025
Original Published Date
October 12, 2018

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