World War II on the Home Front

During WWII, a positive morale on the home front was essential to winning the war. American contribution was needed and the government began a campaign to “recruit” citizen soldiers.

Voluntary Spirit of Americans Nothing in America went unchanged by World War II Americans became citizen soldiers Personal decisions were now war decisions What to eat, buy, and time management All these decisions now had global consequences

Propaganda The US government wanted to explain these civic responsibility to the citizens and did so by way of PROPAGANDA. Launched the biggest public relations campaign in history by using media outlets. However, the most effective and important outlet for messages were posters.

WHY POSTERS?? Posters exemplified messages Posters could “work a 24-hour shift Posters exemplified messages Gave a lasting impression Americans could “put a face with the message

To win the war, America needs total commitment….. The government urged citizens to commit themselves and their family to winning the war. Most propaganda posters urged three actions Conservation Investment Production

Investment War Bonds Bonds were a type of “loan” from the American people to the government. Bonds were advertised as “what the individual could do for the cause, not what the bond could do for the individual’s finances.” Served two purposes: Financing the war Removing money from circulation to hold down inflation

PRODUCTION The United States produced war materials and food for Britain and its allies After Pearl Harbor production took off and the factory, home, and store became a battlefield. Companies such as Ford Motor Company and Disney Productions became war factories. Women began to do “a man’s job.” By the end of the war, Americans had built 88,000 tanks, 14,000 ships, 300,000 airplanes, and millions of guns and ammunition.

CONSERVATION War production drove the USA out of a depression and into a boom economy. Citizens were issued ration cards to limit their purchases of gas and groceries. People were asked to conserve everything from clothing to ice cream. Posters promoted self-reliance not dependency on the government People saved bacon grease which was used for ammunition and medicine (glycerin)

VICTORY GARDENS Victory Gardens were the most popular and well-known acts by American citizens. Labor and transportation shortages made it harder to harvest and move crops. Thus, citizens were encouraged to grow their own fruits and vegetables, leaving canned goods for soldiers.

City kids doing their part

Communities worked together for the greater good of the country

Even the smallest garden made a difference.

The Results…………………. A little over 20 million victory gardens were planted. Between 9-11 million tons of vegetables and fruit harvested from the gardens Patriotism flourished Community pride and effort reached an all time high