“Keep These Off the USA:” The 100th Anniversary of Germany’s entrance into World War One

August 1st: One hundred years ago, Germany declared war on Russia, prompting Germany and the Ottoman Empire to sign a secret alliance treaty, escalating the tensions of World War One.

Norton, Keep These off the USA, Printed 1918

Norton’s “Keep These off the USA,” shows the bloodied boots of the German enemy as a threat to American citizens, and urges them to contribute to the war effort through the purchase of government bonds, called ‘Liberty Bonds’.

Advertising posters all have an imperative. They are a call to action for the viewer- saying ‘go buy this product’ nowhere is this imperative more visible than in propaganda posters such as this one.

Norton’s poster is one among many of the World War One Posters featured at our upcoming show titled “A Call to Action; Posters of the First World War” from September 13th through the 24th at our Showroom at 2201 4th Street in Berkeley, California.

Our collection of World War One posters is up to date and visible on our website.

 

This post was written by Nicole Garson, Intern, UCB class of 2016  and Elizabeth Norris, Proprietor of Vintage European Posters

Our Shop is Open Tuesdays-Thursdays from 11-5 and select weekends.
2201 Fourth Street, Berkeley Corner of Allston Way

Please call 510 843 2201 or email vintage posters@vepca.com to confirm hours.

Visit our collection on the web at vepca.com