Poster Collection

There are over 800 posters in the collection (not all are currently online).  They may be seen as history, chronicling the anxieties and hopes of the First and Second World Wars. They may be seen as propaganda – a lexicon of psychological stratagems to marshal people, to woo friends, an to confound enemies. They may be viewed as sociology, reflecting the popular culture, mores, and prejudices of their times.  Or they may be viewed simply for their visual interest, sometimes inspiring, sometimes funny or crude, but always fascinating.

During World War I, posters primarily sought to exploit people’s weaknesses, or to appeal to their sense of patriotism and morality. World War II posters were produced by commercial interests and political parties.  They were more sophisticated and realistic than the posters of the First World War.

Quick Links:

• All World War I
• Canada WWI
• France WWI
• Great Britain WWI
• United States WWI
• All World War II
• Canada WWII
• France WWII
• Germany WWII
• Great Britain WWII
• United States WWII
• Marshall Plan / ERP Contest

Browse By Country or View Marshall Plan Contest Posters: