Blood or Bread

Blood or Bread

Conservation

An American poster by the United States Food Administration directed at the common people at home not directly participating in the war. However, as indicated in this poster, the common people did have the ability to impact the war by not wasting food. The monochromatic poster depicts a wounded, dying soldier in the arms of another soldier who appears to be crying out in agony on the battlefield. The crying soldier even appears a bit stunned at the reality of the event when looking close at him. Compared to the two soldiers who are strongly detailed in their expressions and physique, the background is far more ambiguous with much less detail given to it, though the men appear to be surrounded by gunfire. The poster directs nearly all of its attention on the two soldiers and the emotionality of the scene depicted. Along with the emotional pull, the poster also pleads that it's readers to be conservative with their food intake including the gripping statement that "You will shorten the war." Though not perfectly representative of the true horrors of The Great War, this poster does a better job than most at capturing the trauma faced every day by soldiers on the field. It might not be the most eye-catching poster out there, but it has a very strong emotional pull and a clear message that combined should have enticed people to be more thoughtful with how they utilized their food.

Henry Patrick Raleigh

McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tulsa. 2933 E. 6th St. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-3123

United States Food Administration

1910-1920

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Poster

English

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1992.004.5.49

United States of America

Poster

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