While the poster is a relic of World War I and has been reused throughout the 1900's, its psychological weight remained a cornerstone of Cold War messaging. Uncle Sam’s direct gaze and pointing finger created a sense of "individualized surveillance." In the context of the 1950s the military did need soldiers, but it was more about the state’s claim on the citizen's mind. The government wanted scientists, linguists, and "loyal" economists. The poster served as the visual shorthand for the idea that "The Nation’s Strength is Your Strength," essentially telling all of its citizens that in order for you to prosper, you must help your country. It's the American military's most used propaganda poster, and it has worked.