War Posters
The international wars of the twentieth century embodied strong nationalism.
Both WWI and WWII, fought on the soils of European countries, molded
a sense of national pride in the people of every country involved. British
Columbians were as much affected by the wartime nationalism as those directly
in the line of fire.
The Canadian government called on every citizen to help in the war effort
by reducing consumption or purchasing war bonds in support of Canadian military
troops overseas. Propaganda distributed throughout the province and the rest
of the country attempted to instill a a sense of commitment and responsibility
into the citizens by appealing to their notion of national duty.
War posters such as those shown on this page propagated the province and
served to fulfill the national obligation to the war effort. British Columbians
worked for the war effort and supported the troops through the purchase of
war bonds and the strict regulation of food and goods consumption. Through
propaganda posters and the sense of nationalism they invoked, the
government attempted to reduce consumption without resorting to legal
restrictions that are traditionally met with open hostility and resentment.
The government needed support of its citizens to maintain internal stability
in a time of international crisis.
World War I
World War I and II
World War II
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