war and the nation actively.
"Wake Up, America!"
by James Montgomery Flagg was produced in 1917 during World War I, a global conflict that involved numerous nations, including the United States. This poster was pivotal in a vast propaganda initiative to rally the American public to support the war. Reflecting the general cultural conditions of the time, it appealed to the emotions and beliefs of Americans, urging them to contribute to the war
through actions like military enlistment. Incorporating patriotic
symbols like the American flag, the poster aimed to instill a sense of duty and responsibility among citizens. In its cultural context, the poster emerged as a tool of wartime propaganda,
wherein the government aimed to shape public opinion and encourage widespread engagement in the war effort.
The government generated various media, including posters, pamphlets, newsreels, radio broadcasts, and films, to encourage public support for the war (The National WWII Museum, n.d). These acts involved promoting a particular portrayal while limiting contrary perspectives that separated from the official stance on the war.
"Wake Up, America!"
holds
cultural significance for shaping public opinion, enlisting soldiers, and influencing the visual language of wartime propaganda in the United States during World War I. James Montgomery Flagg produced numerous posters to support the war effort, including the well-known
"I Want You!"
poster. Through his efforts to rally public support for soldiers and the nation, the creator's values and viewpoints emphasize the importance of actively advocating for the country, asserting that those on the home front can contribute by protesting while others are actively fighting for freedom.
