By: Weimer Pursell, 1943 

Description:

This poster conveys the necessity to ration resources, specifically gas, during WW2 as it needs to be used for military equipment, by carpooling. By using bold black and yellow text grabs the attention of viewers, urging them to follow the order of rationing. Also included in the poster is a well dressed man riding next to a ghostly or white outline of Hitler; they are the only two in the car. It was printed by the Government Printing Office for the Office of Price Administration. 

Analysis:

The poster depicts Hitler outlined in white, displaying how if civilians do not conscientiously try to save resources, they are indirectly helping the enemy, that being Hitler. By leveraging fear of the enemy and guilt this poster effectively urges the audience, that being the American people, to act selflessly. Moreover, the poster plays on the emotions of the American people showing how their actions in private, that they think no one else know's about, have severe consequences. 

By: J Howard Miller, 1943

Description: 

As one of the most well known Wartime posters, the depiction of Rosie the Riveter flexing her arm with her sleeve rolled up aims to signify the strength of women. The yellow background contrasted with the blue speech bubble and blue flannel draws attention to Rosie's strength at the center of the poster. Her stern look displays how women should be taken seriously as they step into fill more traditionally male roles, but that does not mean they have to lose their femininity, shown by her red and white polka dot headband. It was produced by the Westinghouse for the War Production Co-Ordinating Committee. 

Analysis: 

This poster was designed to boost the morale of all American citizens while simultaneously encoring women to join to war effort. As men went oversees, their prior jobs were vacant and needed to be filled, thus this poster urges woman to step in. Rosie the Riveter was meant to be seen as a symbol of patriotic womanhood and a new feminine image. 

By: Alexander Liberman, 1943

Description: 

The poster features a large American flag filling the upper half, with its bold strips and stars in vivid red, white and blue. In the foreground, two men - one white and one African-American - lean over the nose of a fighter plane, their hands working together on an essential piece of wartime machinery. The slogan "United We Win"  appears prominently in block capitals at the bottom. Commissioned by the U.S Office of War Information, it was intended to rally both civilian workers and servicemen behind a common cause.

Analysis: 

By placing the national flag directly above the interracial pair collaborating on the repair, the poster emphasizes that victory depends on every American's contribution regardless of race. At a time when segregation persisted at home, the contrast between black and White workers against the vibrant American flag reinforced that all Americans are part of the same national identity and mission. The choice of realism for the photo instead of an illustration also gives more credibility, making the viewer feel witness to genuine alliance in a factory.

By: James Montgomery Flagg, 1940

Description: 

The poster features Uncle Sam pointing directly at the viewer with a stern, compelling expression. Dressed in his star-spangled top hat, blue tailcoat, and red bow tie - he embodies American patriotic colors. The simple beige background makes him and the text stand out. Above his head, the headline "I WANT YOU" appears in large, bold blue letters and below "for the U.S. ARMY" "ENLIST NOW.". 

Analysis: 

Originally created for World War I in 1917 but reused during World War II, it employs direct address to create a powerful psychological impact. Uncle Sam, the personification of the American government, appears to make eye contact with each individual viewer, creating a sense of personal responsibility. The pointing finger adds an accusatory element, while the commanding language leaves no ambiguity. The poster's effectiveness comes from its simplicity, directness, and the way it makes military service feel like a personal request from the nation itself. It represents a straightforward recruitment approach compared to the other posters.