In freedom's cause our soldiers offer their lives

Place Oceania: Australia, Victoria, Melbourne
Accession Number ARTV00017
Collection type Art
Measurement sheet: 77.3 cm x 51 cm
Object type Poster
Physical description chromolithograph on paper
Maker Hannan, Jim
Commonwealth Government of Australia
Osboldstone & Co. Pty Ltd
Date made c. 1914-1918
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Depicts soldiers in combat, with the text urging the viewer to buy war bonds if unable to fight. The title, printed in blue ink, occupies the upper part of the poster and is printed against the blue background of the sky. The image occupies the whole. Infantry are depicted advancing through yellow grass. Some are standing, peering into the distance. One is depicted kneeling and taking aim with his rifle. 'Buy war loan bonds' is printed across the bottom section of the poster, and is printed in blue ink.

Many countries involved in the war realised that they would need more funds to resource their campaigns, and accordingly developed war loan programs. These programs encouraged the population to purchase government war bonds which would be repaid with interest, and assist the war effort. The loan subscriptions were extremely successful in Australia, often exceeding the targeted amount. As the conflict drew to a close, the posters promised that the purchase of bonds would bring a speedy resolution to the war.