Rallying Support for the War Effort (WWI)

As the U.S. military recruited young men for service, civilians were called upon to do their part by buying War bonds, donating to charity, or, if they worked in industry, going that extra mile for the troops. Patriotic appeals were communicated through posters, music, magazine ads, and other printed media, and contributors received buttons and pins to wear with pride. We hope you enjoy this selection of memorabilia from Smithsonian museums.

Music and films of the era also celebrated The Great War and America's role. The Smithsonian has an array of sheet music from the period. In Hollywood, mega-star Mary Pickford led the war effort, selling bonds and making such movies as Johanna Enlists (1918).

World War I Centennial