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Description
France and the United States shared a special relationship during World War I, which largely stemmed from France's support of American patriots during the Revolutionary War. This poster illustrated the relationship with a mix of iconography; the arrival of the American troops in 1917 (the dough-boy solider at center), a shadowy George Washington in the background, and Lady Liberty shinning a beacon of light.
The American Expeditionary Forces arrived in France in late June 1917. This limited-edition poster honored their arrival, the American Independence Day holiday, and the relationship between the United States and France. Leading with a popular French WWI slogan "Pour la Liberté" ("For Freedom"), it announced a "Fête De L'Indépendance" ("Festival of Independence") on July 4, 1918.
At the bottom of the poster, Woodrow Wilson is quoted (taken from translation) "July 4, 1776 is the day of the birth of the United States. On this day, the colonies of North America proclaimed their Independence and became a Nation. We will give all that we love, all that we possess, to deliver the world, to allow free men like us to live there."
About This Item
- Title: Pour La Liberté, Fête De L'Indépendance, 1918
- Creator: Benito
- Creation Date: 1918
- Subject Date: 1918
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Locations:
- USA
- France
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 48 cm x 33 cm
- Local Code: 1992.54.1
- Collection: WPA broadsides relating to Maine, Massachusetts, and World War I : World War I posters
- Object Type: Text and Image
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Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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