Domestic Propaganda During World War

Domestic Propaganda During World War II

Question B. What were the norms of the World War II era regarding gossip, work, sacrifice, and gender roles? What did the posters suggest would happen if people did not follow the norms?

World War II was a very different domestic societal experience for the American population than other more recent wars. It required contributions from everyone in the form of material goods and especially products made from rubber and metals like aluminum which was in desperate demand for reprocessing into war materials used in the production of military vehicles and equipment.

Wartime posters emphasized the fact that the nation needed raw materials for military use and the importance of everyone doing his or her respective part, even as civilians. Gender roles were changing, by necessity, because the vast numbers of males conscripted into the war effort overseas increased the need to include women in traditionally male roles in mass production plants. This was reflected in the posters and published advertisements of the time and typically portrayed characters like "Rosie the Riveter" complete with welder's mask and coveralls. Espionage was also a serious domestic concern, which was emphasized in posters admonishing gossip and irresponsible conversation. These posters carried themes like "Loose lips sink ships" and the enemy is always listening."

Question D. What racial, ethnic and gender stereotypes can be found in these posters? What attitudes toward the Germans and Japanese did the posters promote?