Smack Em Down Art

Smack Em Down Art. Historic vintage style military aviation travel poster art by Squadron Posters!

In World War II, Marines played a central role in the Pacific War, participating in nearly every significant battle. During the war, the Corps grew from two brigades to two corps with six divisions, and five air wings with 132 squadrons. In addition, 20 Defense Battalions and  a Parachute Battalion were also set up. In all, the Corps totaled at a maximum end strength of over 475,000 Marines, the highest in its history. Posters such as this one were crucial in recruiting young men to join the Marines. 

Patriotism became the central theme of advertising throughout the war, as large scale campaigns were launched to sell war bonds, recruitment, promote efficiency in factories, reduce ugly rumors, and maintain positive civilian morale. The war consolidated the advertising industry’s role in American society, deflecting earlier criticism. The leaders of the Axis powers were portrayed as cartoon caricatures, in order to make them appear foolish and idiotic. The American government produced posters, films, and radio programs as much as it produced ammunition and weapons of war. In fact, posters, films, books, and animations were weapons to capture the hearts and minds of American citizens. All of this was designed to create a society that supported the war. The United States used posters to advertise, and produced more propaganda posters than any other country fighting in World War II. Almost 200,000 different designs were printed during the war. These posters used a number of themes to encourage support for the war, including conservation, production, recruiting, home efforts and secrecy. Posters were usually placed in areas without paid advertisements. The most common areas were post offices, railroad stations, schools, restaurants and retail stores. Smaller posters were printed for the windows of private homes and apartment buildings. These were places where other propaganda media couldn’t be used. Check out this stunning Smack Em Down Art by Squadron Posters! 

Squadron Posters offers the world’s largest collection of Squadron Specific Art! Check out our stunning vintage style military aviation themed travel posters, honoring All Branches of Service. Our artwork not only represents aircraft, armored cavalry, or ships, it represents adventure and travel. This means we create posters featuring the Space Needle, New Orleans, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt Rushmore and the National Mall. Of course, McChord AFB isn’t in Seattle but if you’re stationed there your adventure surely involves the Space Needle! (See our Facebook page HERE)

This is what makes Squadron Posters different–it’s about remembering where you’ve lived and what you’ve seen with a vintage themed travel poster. – Collect your travels and tell your story!