This method of communicating with people was perhaps never more effective than during the First World War when governments on both sides of the conflict reached out to the masses to solicit their support.

This virtual exhibit focuses on a selection of Canadian posters from the First World War and, in particular, those that can be found in the Archives of Ontario poster collection (C 233).

British toughness and steadfastness during times of crisis was often represented by an image of John Bull, a cartoon character originally developed by English satirical artists in the 1790s. John Bull appeared as the dependable, stoic, country squire in the London magazine Punch during the late 1800s and early 1900s. His image frequently found its way on to Canadian posters as a British icon.

The appeal of a pretty girl’s face is timeless and in 1917 accounted for over 75,000 posters and contributed to the raising of $419 million in two weeks.

Miss Faith Berry of Toronto, who posed for the picture used in the poster to the right, was given a $500 bond and a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her contribution to the war effort.

Canadian posters were also different from other countries in that as a hostile army was not overrunning Canada, the posters tended not to focus on violence in their design in order to make a point. Often poster designs used ridicule and humour as a theme when referring directly to the enemy.

Most posters were produced by the government but there were many privately commissioned posters, as well. Local regiments, corporations, well-to-do individuals and charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, also got into the act. Follow the links below to learn more about Canadian Posters from the First World War.

• Victory Bonds
• The Canadian Patriotic Fund
• Increasing Production

• Recruitment
• Poster Gallery