Context
In the 1940s, the world faced a serious challenge: A military alliance led by Nazi Germany launched a series of attacks on European countries (Poland, the USSR), seeking to conquer new territories, impose ideology, and exterminate the Jewish population. The U.S. did not occupy an isolated position; in fact, it led the anti-Hitler coalition alongside the USSR, providing various forms of support to the Allies on the battlefield.
Financial, technical, and intangible support required the U.S. to fully mobilize its civilian forces, so propaganda calling for both men and women to take an active part in helping to win was not uncommon during those wartime years. Society, in turn, had a differential attitude toward military action: on the one hand, U.S. citizens did not feel obliged to be involved in hostilities because they were taking place on European soil. On the other hand, it was a great chance to demonstrate America’s patriotism, military might, and global strength.
Content
One such episode of propaganda was an advertising campaign launched by the U.S. Marine Corps. The slogan reads, “Be a Marine… Free a Marine to fight,” appealing to civilians to enlist as Marines, thereby freeing up existing Marines to participate in the war effort. The primary source is an article containing 19 pages of text and images that describe the military power and fundamental historical significance of the Marine Corps.
The Infantry Corps had a special focus on attracting women, which is the subject of this booklet. The article details the benefits women receive by joining the infantry, as well as technical details such as salaries, leave, required competencies, and mastered competencies. The primary focus of the booklet was to attract women to military service: “We of the Corps invite you to join us, to wear our uniform, to share our trials and triumphs, to march with us to victory”.
Meaning
It is not difficult to discern the subject matter and the intended thoughts this pamphlet was meant to evoke in its readers. The wartime propaganda article was intended to instill a sense of patriotic pride in female readers, encourage them to participate in the war effort, and help their fellow countrymen: “Never before have the women of America had such a real opportunity to serve their country.” The historical significance of this booklet lies in its illustration of the exact tactics and methods employed by those in charge to achieve the desired result.
Works Cited
“Be a Marine… Free a Marine to fight.” DPLA.
“The Great Debate.” WWII.
Mandel, Ernest. The Meaning of the Second World War. London: Verso Books, 2020.