WW I Poster: Joan of Arc Saved France

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The 1918 poster "Joan of Arc," by Haskell Coffin (1878-1941), was commissioned by the United States Treasury Department as part of the campaign to raise money for the First World War by having civilians buy war savings stamps. The low priced stamps were pasted into a booklet that when filled could be exchanged for a war bond.

The magnificent poster features Joan in full armor, brandishing a sword, but with 20th century embelishments like lipstick and makeup. The image includes Christian symbolism with the subtext that as Joan was doing God's work to save France in her day, so contemporary Americans should join the fight in their own time.

The use of the strong female Joan of Arc image was also motivated by the fact that women's clubs were an important channel for the bond sales program.

For further historical information, visit Joan of Arc – Maid of Heaven.

Today in WW II: 4 Feb 1941 The United Service Organization [USO], a nonprofit, charitable corporation chartered by Congress, is created to entertain American servicemen and women. More ↓

4 Feb 1945 Yalta Conference between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin [Feb 4-12].
4 Feb 1945 Supply truck convoy from India, en route since 12 January via the reopened Burma Road, arrives in Kunming, China.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.