The Art of War; Visual Propaganda and American Military Recruiting. An Annotated Bibliography

by Rubino, Michelle A.

This annotated bibliography explores propaganda themes, phrases, and images in recruiting pamphlets and posters. The pamphlets are from 1918 – 1977 and explore a wide range of themes and the evolution of propaganda angles. All of the posters, with the exception of two, are from WWII and show similarities and differences in the recruiting methods of the branches of military service. Stereotypes are described as are portrayals of different branches which still apply today. The recruitment of women is explored, from the no-nonsense angle of WWII to the career-minded, civil-rights aware woman of the 1970’s. The establishment of the Office of War Information is discussed, as are its poster production and distribution campaigns. Addresses the poster as the ideal medium in a pre-television age and pamphlets as another, supplemental, means of advertising.