Funding Victory: The War Bond Drives

When the United States joined WWII, new government organizations, including the Office of War Information (OWI), were tasked with putting out a singular patriotic message, achieved primarily through posters and printed pamphlets. The government’s overarching goal was to persuade a traditionally isolationist American populace to invest and support the European war effort. 

The war ushered in the biggest advertising campaign to date, critical to the wartime communication needs of every combatant: from raising money, recruiting soldiers and boosting volunteer efforts, to spurring production and provoking outrage at enemy atrocities. The most common themes found in the posters were the consequences of careless talk, anti-German and Japanese propaganda, and (as shown in today’s newsletter selections) urges to purchase War Bonds and Victory Bonds.

Defense Bonds first went on the market on May 1, 1941, and they were renamed War Bonds after the US entered the war in December 1941. Bonds were available in denominations of $25 through $1000, designed to be affordable for everyone. Eight War Loan Drives were conducted in the US from 1942 to 1945. Each was meant to raise an additional $9-$15 billion in sales. Towns received quotas, with the aim of promoting competition between towns. Volunteers went door-to-door, pleading for sales and rewarding purchasers with stickers to display on their window or door. 

The drives were conducted on the following dates: First War Loan Drive: Nov. 30 to Dec. 23, 1942; Second War Loan Drive: Apr. 12 to May 1, 1943; Third War Loan Drive: Sep. 9 to Oct. 1, 1943; Fourth War Loan Drive: Jan. 18 to Feb. 15, 1944; Fifth War Loan Drive: June 12 to July 8, 1944; Sixth War Loan Drive: Nov. 20 to Dec. 16, 1944; Seventh War Loan Drive: May 14 to June 30, 1945; Victory Loan Drive: Oct. 29 to Dec. 8, 1945. 

By the end of the war, 85 million Americans (out of a population of 131 million) had purchased $185.7 billion dollars of bonds – over $2000 per person, at a time when the average income was $2000 per year. The patriotism and personal sacrifice of the average citizen played a significant part in the Allied war effort.

We have many War Bond posters in our inventory. I invite our readers to browse our Posters Collection or WWI & WWII Category our website. You can also stop by our Colorado Springs shops to see an even larger selection in person.