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For liberty and peace on earth

Maker United States Treasury

Illustrator Lyman Simpson

Date1944

Object number00033871

NamePoster

MediumInk on paper with linen backing

DimensionsOverall: 785 x 595 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis pleasant poster shows Christmas bells and a war bond under the slogan 'For Liberty and Peace on Earth'. It was designed to encourage the American public to buy war bonds at Christmas. Funds generated from bonds were a major contribution to the war effort and many government posters encouraged the public to invest.HistoryBetween 1941 and 1946 the War Finance Committee was responsible for raising money for the American war effort through a series of loan drives. In total over US$185 billion of securities were sold. By the end of World War II over 85 million Americans had invested in war bonds. No other country had as many people contribute. The sale of war bonds provided a way in which patriotic attitudes and the spirit of sacrifice could be expressed. Bonds became the primary method through which those on the home-front contributed to national defense and the war effort. Although initially the goal of the bond drives was to finance the war, their greatest accomplishment was the positive impact they had on the morale of home-front Americans. For the Government, war bond drives had the added benefit of lowering inflation. With more people employed in manufacturing and war related industries there was an increase in individual income at a time when domestic products were being rationed. Patriotic saving through the purchase of war bonds removed this excess money from circulation. SignificanceThis is representative of war bonds posters in World War II. Unlike many posters that depict graphic scenes of death this example shows a warm lighthearted image of Christmas.