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, 2018

Last 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.

Rosie the Riveter

Who was the "real" Rosie the Riveter? Ask History has the story behind this famous icon.

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.

World War II Poster

K.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 Poster

Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Maybe She's a Spy

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

World War II Poster

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Riding With Hitler

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

World War II Poster

The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

He's a Maneater!

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

Related Articles

By 1945, sales of “Mein Kampf” topped 10 million copies and the royalties had made the dictator rich.

Before the 1945 atomic blasts, they were thriving cities. In a flash, they became desolate wastelands.

After being hit by a Japanese suicide plane, the crew of the USS Comfort were forced to tend to their own.

While the war raged overseas, soldiers and civilians worked furiously to protect the capital against rising waters.

About the author

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
These World War II Propaganda Posters Rallied the Home Front
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
July 18, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
July 17, 2025
Original Published Date
October 12, 2018

History Revealed

Sign up for "Inside History"

Get fascinating history stories twice a week that connect the past with today’s world, plus an in-depth exploration every Friday.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

King Tut's gold mask