September 12, 2003–June 13, 2004

Introduction

During the first half of the twentieth century the great political powers waged two world wars. Leaders of the combatant nations exhorted their citizens to make the necessary sacrifices to hasten victory. Governments and private organizations commissioned posters and other items to support the traditional call to arms, such as enlistment in the military. They were also used to promote wartime production, inform citizens about proper conduct, and assure people that the government was taking appropriate action. Creators of propaganda exploited the power of words and images to construct persuasive visual messages, evoking feelings of fear and anger, pride and patriotism.

Weapons of Mass Dissemination highlights the various strategies and techniques used to create wartime propaganda during the first half of the twentieth century. From the purely informational—a broadside instructing soldiers and civilians on proper blackout procedures—to the shocking and agitational—a poster incorporating photographs of victims of aerial bombing—the objects on view demonstrate the changing and enduring character of wartime propaganda.

Section 1: Informing the Public

Section 2: Wartime Appropriations

Section 3: Direct Address

Section 4: Patriotic Symbols

Section 5: Soldiers

Section 6: Picturing the Enemy

Section 7: Victims

A full-color exhibition catalog is available in the museum shop; to order, call 305.535.2680 or e-mail museumshop@thewolf.fiu.edu.

The Wolfsonian receives ongoing support from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs through the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners; the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council; Dacra and the Miami Design District; Continental Airlines, the preferred airline of The Wolfsonian; the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation; Carnival Foundation; Flamingo/AIMCO; and the Indian Creek Hotel.

Poster, "Van je vrienden" moet je 't hebben! Nijmegen, Enschede, Arnhem ("With Friends Like These," Who Needs Enemies!), 1944
Designer and printer unknown
The Netherlands
Commercial color lithograph
43 3/4" x 30 3/4" (111.1 x 78.1 cm)
Credit: The Wolfsonian–Florida International University, Miami Beach, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection   
XX1990.2915
Photo: Silvia Ros

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