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Where our men are fighting, Our food is fighting

Maker United States of America Office of War Information

Date1943

Object number00033872

NamePoster

MediumInk on paper with linen backing

DimensionsOverall: 800 x 650 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

Washington

DescriptionThis propaganda poster shows descending American parachutes holding food crates and carrying soldiers. It uses the colours of red, white and blue as a symbol of American patriotism. Troops on the front line needed vast quantities of supplies to conduct operations and the American government regularly encouraged the home front to ration food and minimise waste.HistoryIn 1942, the government established the Office of Price Administration to ration items and stave off inflation by controlling prices. However, with shortages of most food stuffs and rationing of essential items such as sugar, oil and rubber, Americans often turned to hoarding and the black market. By expanding home agriculture and bringing uncultivated land into production, the United States fed its own people and sent large quantities of food to the Allies overseas. Victory gardens were the most popular type of civilian war effort. In 1943, home-grown produce accounted for one-third of the vegetables eaten in the United States. Posters were an effective way the American government could mobilize the public and unite them behind the cause. Posters in varying sizes were commonly displayed in libraries, post offices, streets, factories and schools.SignificanceThis poster represents rationing experienced during the war and the impact it had on the American public.