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Women Veterans Historical Project

Women Veterans Historical Collection logo

Women at War Online Exhibit

World War I and World War II Posters

In World War I attractive posters were created to entice women to join the war effort, both at home and overseas, in civilian agencies, as nurses and doctors, and to a lesser degree in the military. This poster campaign started again when the United States entered World War II. Posters were created not only to entice women to do their part on the home front, but also to take a war job or join the military. The glamorous images depicted on these posters portrayed young, attractive, feminine, and intelligent all-American girls in an effort to break down any previously held negative ideas about women in the workplace or in the military. Despite the appeal of these posters, a large number of women say they joined the military or took on a war job without ever having seen one.

World War I
World War I woman doctor with children and serviceman

“Thirty-five of Our Women Doctors Are Already Over There: We Are Ready, Put Us Across! Medical Women's National Association,” by Thelma Cudlipp, 28 ¼ in. x 40 ¼ in., [1918]. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“Back Our Girls Over There: YWCA,” by Clarence Underwood, 21 in. x 28 in., [1917-1918]. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 World War I telephone operator
World War I American Red Cross worker reaching out

“Have You Answered the Red Cross Christmas Roll Call?” by Harrison Fisher, 28 in. x 30 in., American Red Cross, c. 1918. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“The Woman's Land Army of America,” by Herbert Paus, 20 in. x 26 ½ in., c. 1917-1918. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 One woman riding a horse and two women carrying a large basket of produce
World War II
Two Cadet nurses in uniform, World War II

“Cadet Nurse: The Girl With a Future,” U.S. Government Printing Office, 20 in. x 28 in., 1944. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“Enlist in the WAVES: Release a Man to Fight at Sea,” 28 in. x 42 in., 1943. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 Headshot of a Navy WAVE in blue uniform saluting
Navy WAVE operator

“It's a Woman's War Too! Join the WAVES,” by John Falter, 28 in. x 43 in., [1942-1945]. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“Join the Navy Nurse Corps,” by John Whitcomb, 20 ½ in. x 31 in., c. 1940s-1950s. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 Navy nurse in blue uniform
Headshot of an Army nurse in uniform

“You Are Needed Now: Join the Army Nurse Corps,” by Ruzzie Green, 20 ½ in. x 31 in., 1943. (Women Veterans General Textile Collection)

“Volunteer for Victory: Offer Your Services to Your Red Cross,” by Toni Frissell, 21 in. x 33 ½ in., c. 1941-1945. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 American Red Cross worker in front of two flags and the sky
Member of the Women's Army Corps in front of the shadows of soldiers

“Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” by Schlaikjer Recruiting Publicity Bureau, U.S. Army War Department, 20 in. x 28 in., 1944. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“Do Your Part: Join the WAAC,” Women's Army Auxiliary Corps Recruiting Publicity Bureau, U.S. Army, 25 in. x 38 ¼ in., 1942. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 Member of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in front of women marching, with pink background
Headshot of a WAC in front of an American flag

“This is My War Too! Women's Army Auxiliary Corps,” by Dan V. Smith, Recruiting Publicity Bureau, 25 in. x 38 in., 1943. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“SPARS,” by J. Valentin, Office of Naval Officer Procurement, 28 in. x 42 in., 1943. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 SPAR standing in front of faded conestoga wagon and pioneer woman
Woman Marine in forest green in front of dark image of soldiers in trenches

“Be a Marine...Free a Marine to Fight,” McCandlish Litho Corp., 28 in. x 40 in., 1943. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“For Your Country's Sake Today: For Your Own Sake Tomorrow,” by Steele Savage Recruiting Publicity Bureau, U.S. Army, 17 in. x 25 in., 1944. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 Profiles of women in the Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard
Red Cross hospital worker in front of three wounded men

“Hospital Workers of the American Red Cross,” by Whitman Allied Printing Trades Council, 15 ¼ in. x 21 ¼ in., April 1945. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

“I've Found the Job Where I Fit Best! Find Your War Job,” by [George R?], U.S. Government Printing Office, 22 ½ in. x 16 in., 1943. (University Archives World War I and World War II Poster Collection)

 One of the many types of WWI nurse's caps

To return to the online exhibit Women at War, select a link from the catagories below to view the materials on display.

Return to the Women Veterans Historical Collection main page

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