Original War Poster WWII USA Home Front Travel

Original vintage American propaganda poster - Could This Be You? Don't Travel Unless Your Trip Helps Win The War - published by the United States Office of Defense Transportation during the Second World War. After the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on the American naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the U.S. was thrust into World War II (1939-45), and everyday life across the country was dramatically altered. During the war, the US supplied Allied troops fighting the war in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. At home, citizens contributed to the war effort by rationing consumer goods, recycling materials, purchasing war bonds, and working in war industries. During the spring of 1942, a rationing program was established that set limits on the amount of gas, food and clothing consumers could purchase. Families were issued ration stamps that were used to buy their allotment of everything from meat, sugar, fat, butter, vegetables and fruit to gas, tires, clothing and fuel oil. The United States Office of War Information released posters in which Americans were urged to Do with less so they'll have enough ("they" referred to U.S. troops). Meanwhile, individuals and communities conducted drives for the collection of scrap metal, aluminum cans and rubber, all of which were recycled and used to produce armaments. Individuals purchased U.S. war bonds to help pay for the high cost of armed conflict. The poster features four cartoons in black line drawing on white appearing as paper sheets tacked to a blue background showing people making excuses to travel with captions below - a lady wearing an elegant dress with bags behind her "It's impossible to find anything in the local shops." - a smartly dressed elderly couple with their luggage "We haven't seen Bob's children since way last fall." - a businessman smoking a cigar and holding golf clubs "But this contract is vital." - and two children with their bags in front of their grandmother "But Grandma misses us so." Postal information on reverse to Santa Barbara Free Public and County Library California from U.S. Government. Good condition, folds, small tears. Country of issue: USA, designer: Unknown, size (cm): 66x45.5, year of printing: 1945