Date: 1917-1918
Size: two smaller posters measure 11 x 14 inches; larger "Don't Forget" poster is 11.5 x 17.5
Artists: Unknown
In 1917 and 1918 the US Government raised money to help finance the war by selling Liberty Bonds, so named to appeal to the patriotism of Americans. By buying the Liberty Bonds, Americans were loaning the government money. The US government agreed to repay the money plus interest in a specified number of years.
By the end of the Great War, the US Government debt was more than $25 billion, and it is posters such as these which helped motivate people to invest their money into their government. Sometimes specific projects were advertized (such as "You must help to build the bridge"), other times an image of someone was used to guilt others into lending money (like mothers and children, or wounded soldiers - like here), and occasionally the ads just flat out asked for money ("Don't forget... you are asked to LEND your money...").
Posters are in great condition for their age, with slight signs of discoloration or wear around the corners. "You must help to build the bridge" and "You... Finish the job" both measure 11 x 14 inches, while the colorful "Don't Forget" poster measures 11.5 x 17.5 inches. The perfect gift for lovers of Americana and history buffs!