"Uncle Sam's Big Fighting Ships"

ca. 1900

During the First and Second World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, the Statue of Liberty was used to galvanize support for the war efforts. Images of the Statue—sometimes militaristic, sometimes maternal—appeared on wartime posters to encourage the people of the United States to enlist, buy war bonds, and conserve resources. Wartime propaganda promoted the Statue as an American icon, presenting a vision of freedom and democracy to a world struggling against oppression and dictatorships.

Paper, ink. H 40.5, W 51 cm.
Statue of Liberty National Monument, STLI 37220