The poster reads – “The girl he left behind is still behind him–She’s a WOW”. It was a famous work by Adolph Treidler. The poster shows a woman ordnance worker, holding wrench, gazing up at a soldier with a rifle in the background. I think this poster must have done a good job in encouraging women to help in the war efforts. It depicted that, by making their contributions women would not only be helping their country but also their companions, husbands etc. This poster nearly draws a moral issue and makes it about doing “something good”. The soldier at the background works as a stronger push, insisting that it’s these women’s responsibility to carry on with their “legacy” because women helping in the war are “Great Women”.
These posters treated women with respect for a change, because at that point the country desperately needed their help. The approach was emotional, encouraging and definitely effective.
In my opinion, the poster accurately represents the needs of the American home front at the time. Unity and cooperation was required in almost every aspect of life as the war was a holistic one. The document is very effective in portraying the war as one worth fighting. It shows the need for women to rally behind their male counterparts as they fight the Axis powers in Europe and Asia. The document gives equal treatment to all parties because it acknowledges the importance of women in helping wartime production. Women were a critical part of helping to supply the Allies with munitions and other essentials. This poster reflects that relationship well.
By displaying a women who’s taking on new roles but yet still not up to the same level as men is sending the message to the viewer that women should participate in the war and not just the home front. This artist effectively portrayed that message and created a very convincing form of propaganda which is likely to encourage women they should step up further now.