CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
From September 1939 - December 1941, the United States was not officially at war with any of the Axis powers. While support was given to the Allies through programs such as Lend-Lease, there was a strong isolationist sentiment following World War I and the failure of the League of Nations.
Just before 8 a.m. on December 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked Pearl Harbor, an American naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii. The fleet was devastated, losing almost 200 airplanes and nearly 20 vessels, including eight battleships. Over 2,000 American soldiers and sailors lost their lives, including over 1,000 men who lost their lives when the USS Arizona sank into the harbor.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation soon after the attack and described it as "A date which will live in infamy." Congress swiftly approved his declaration of war against Japan. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. Pearl Harbor became a rallying point for the war effort. Across the nation, posters were created to show support for the troops being sent to fight the second World War.
Citation: Saalburg, Allen Russell. Remember Dec. 7th! Office of War Information, Washington, D.C. , 1942, Prints & Photographs, Special Collections, Library of Virginia
Standards
Art: 4.1, 4.18, 5.1, 5.18
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Look at It: Look at the image. What emotions does it evoke? What event would have led to the creation of such an image?
Post Activities
Analyze: The quote on this poster comes not from FDR's rousing speech, but from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Why do you think the creators of this poster would have selected this quote?
Art Exploration: Design another version of this poster. Write a description of your poster in which you explain your design decisions.
Social Media Spin: Create a social media post, using this image to report on the anniversary the event.