War is commonly associated with bombs and bullets, but in WWI, the front lines were extended to the kitchen. Propaganda posters turned gardens into “munitions plants,” and food was transformed into “ammunition.” Long before the United States officially entered the war, posters implored citizens to do their part by consuming less, and selecting alternate products that allowed for needed provisions to be shipped to allies overseas. The United States Food Administration, under the direction of Herbert Hoover, repeatedly declared that “food will win the war,” a message directed mainly toward women tasked with purchasing groceries and preparing meals. As the posters contained in the collection demonstrate, the simple act of deciding what to eat for breakfast became a test of patriotism.
WWI Propaganda Posters
