Image obtained via the Library of Congress here.
Many works were utilized to support war efforts, probably the most remembered is the poster illustrated above. The Library of Congress states that, “Originally published as the cover for the July 6, 1916, issue of Leslie’s Weekly with the title “What Are You Doing for Preparedness?” this portrait of “Uncle Sam” went on to become–according to its creator, James Montgomery Flagg–“the most famous poster in the world.” Over four million copies were printed between 1917 and 1918, as the United States entered World War I and began sending troops and material into war zones.
How many less troops would have been enlisted without this iconic war poster and posters like it? These posters contributed to recruiting stations being populated and war efforts going noticed. As Flagg noted, this poster alone was considered the most famous poster in the world, and later said that “because of its overwhelming popularity, the image was later adapted for use in World War II.”
This poster demonstrates the power and ability that stems from political art. This poster yielded tangible outcomes and effectively illustrates the reciprocity between art and politics throughout history- a great way to start our week on historical political art.
The Political Canvas 