All Together!

u0003_0004200_0000110
Title All Together!
Creator Henry Reuterdahl
Date 1917
Format 43.3 x 30 in
Description Henry Reuterdahl’s poster “All Together!” portrays sailors from six different allied nations coming together in camaraderie against a colorful backdrop in the hopes of persuading viewers to join the Navy. As indicated by the uniforms and small flags beneath their feet, each sailor represents the involvement of a different allied nation in the war: Japan, France, America, England, Russia, and Italy. Although the United States did not formally join the war until April 6, 1917, it is interesting to note how the figure representing America is taller and more central than the surrounding sailors. The American soldier is also holding a cigarette, a sign of the early cultural influence of tobacco. Although it is difficult to see, the artist provides a backdrop tailored for each sailor that comes together to create one unified bay. With the emphatic words “ALL TOGETHER” written large across the top of the image, the poster shows people from multiple cultural backgrounds working together despite their differences, a subtle suggestion to American immigrant viewers that the Navy is an accepting institution. Although the war is an obvious sub-text for the poster, the joyful expressions imply that victory is guaranteed through the help of international alliances.
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