"Americanism is not, and never was, a matter of race or ancestry." Vintage WWII Poster, 1943

This is a vintage WWII OWI poster. The poster was printed in 1943 and features a quote of President Franklin D. Roosevelt from February 3,1943. In the quote, Roosevelt discusses citizenship, with the line "Americanism is not, and never was, a matter of race or ancestry" emphasized in red text. The quote is from Roosevelt’s signing of the Executive Order that created the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the only all Japanese unit during World War II. The poster is surmounted with an image of a flying eagle clutching the American flag in its talons. The presidential seal is printed in red on the bottom.

The poster text reads, in full: 

"No loyal citizen of the United States should be denied the democratic right to exercise the responsibilities of his citizenship, regardless of his ancestry.

The principle on which this country was founded and by which it has always been governed is that Americanism is a matter of the mind and heart. 

Americanism is not, and never was, a matter of race or ancestry. 

Every loyal American citizen should be given the opportunity to serve this country wherever his skills will make the greatest contribution– whether it be in the ranks of our armed forces, war production, agriculture, government service, or other work essential to the war effort.”

The Second World War ushered in the biggest government-led advertising campaign to date, critical for raising money, recruiting soldiers and boosting volunteer efforts, stimulating production, and provoking outrage at enemy atrocities. The Office of War Information (OWI) commissioned some of the nation’s leading artists to produce the stark, colorful graphic designs. The posters played to the fears, frustrations, and faith in freedoms that lingered in people's minds during the war. By the time of the armistice in November 1918, the American government had produced more than 20 million copies of some 2,500 distinct poster designs. 

CONDITION:

Horizontal and vertical fold lines at center. Creases to margins. Toning along edges. Printed at bottom: "OWI Poster #75. Additional copies may be obtained upon request from the Division of Public Inquiries, Office of War Information, Washington D.C." at left and  "U.S. Government Printing Office: 1943-O-533582" at right. Sold unframed, as-is.

Poster Dimensions: 28" H x 20" W.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.