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Posters
Military and Veterans ➔ Poster, For Your Boy
Identifier:
136630.1.2Description:
Color image of a YMCA worker bringing a drink to an American soldier. The text reads, "For Your Boy. United War Work Campaign. November 11-18, 1918."Date:
1918Materials:
PaperCurrent Location Status:
In StorageSource:
Museum CollectionExhibit/Program:
I Want You - World War One Posters (July 1 2014 – December 21 2015)The years 1914-1918 mark the centenary of World War I, the most devastating global war in history. In the United States alone, over 4,000,000 military personnel were mobilized with 110,000 deaths. Virtually everyone was affected by the war in some way. In recognition of this important event in history, GRPM has selected posters from its permanent collection that demonstrate important issues at the heart of the war efforts.
Posters were a central way for the government to communicate with the public during World War I. The major themes of the posters were: patriotism and justifying the war, the recruitment of men and women for military and labor forces, raising money and resources as well as managing standards of behavior during a time when life was highly unpredictable. Through creative and symbolic graphics with bold messages, posters were considered a force in gaining support and uniting the public in the wartime efforts.
As you view these posters, reflect on the methods employed in creating them. How do the fonts, the word choice and images reinforce the intended message? Do these posters evoke a mood or emotion? Do any of the ideas in these posters conflict with the social and cultural norms of the time?
Related Entities:
YMCA (creator)Alternate names: Young Men's Christian Association
The Young Men's Christian Association, also known as the YMCA, is a worldwide organization that specializes in helping enlisted men, women and military families strengthen their spiritual, mental, and physical well being during and after times of war. The YMCA was founded in 1844 by George Williams in London, England. In 1914, the YMCA began officially excepting women as volunteers into the organization to provide aid to American Soldiers both at home and overseas. During WWI, The YMCA raised and spent over $155 million on welfare efforts for American soldiers.YMCA volunteers worked as surgeons, nurses, chaplains, and distributors of emergency medical supplies, food, and clothing. The YMCA had a paid staff of 26,000 men and women and 35,000 volunteers to attend to the spiritual and social needs of soldiers at home and abroad. Initially, the army needed every soldier in the ranks, so the YMCA willingly assumed the burden of running canteens. The YMCA operated 1,500 canteens and post exchanges under policies and restrictions that the army established until such restrictions were disbanded later in the war. The YMCA today continues to engage young men and women in a variety of charitable activities in hope of making a difference in the lives of those who serve our country. Arthur William Brown (creator)