U.S.A. Bonds - Weapons for Liberty

Place North & Central America: United States of America
Accession Number ARTV04073
Collection type Art
Measurement Overall: 77.1 cm x 51.8 cm; sheet: 76 cm x 50.8 cm
Object type Poster
Physical description chromolithograph on paper
Maker Leyendecker, Joseph Christian
American Lithographic Company
Place made United States of America
Date made 1917
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

American First World War loans poster. Depicts a Statue of Liberty being handed a sword by a Boy Scout; the sword has "Be prepared" inscribed on it. Both stand on a pillar of "Weapons for Liberty". Many posters of this time sought to appeal to the patriotic pride of citizens. As the war dragged on, many countries realised that extra funds and resources would be needed and launched public war loans programs. Individuals and companies were asked to buy government war bonds which would be repaid with interest after the war. These loan subscriptions have been estimated to have covered 60 percent or more of the cost of the war in Germany. War loan posters were in abundant supply during the First World War. This poster specifically refers to the Third Liberty Loan from 5 April 1917.

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