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Small poster
World War I-era poster published by the War Council of the American Red Cross around 1918.
Historical Context
At the beginning of World War I, the American Red Cross was a small organization. Following the United States' entry into the war in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson appointed a War Council, led by volunteer chairman Henry P. Davison, to rapidly expand its operations to meet the demands of the national war effort. By the end of the war in 1918, it had become a major national and international humanitarian organization.
Poster Content and Purpose
Titled "It is a remarkable story," the poster features a quote from President Wilson praising the Red Cross for mobilizing American loyalty and relief efforts among citizens living abroad.
Key details highlighted in the text include:
Global Reach: It lists nearly 150 chapters and branches in foreign lands, including locations like China, Chile, Brazil, and Spain.
Mobilization of Resources: The poster notes that within less than a year, $1,500,000 worth of finished products—such as knitted goods and surgical dressings—were contributed to storehouses.
Fundraising Success: It mentions the second Red Cross war fund drive in May 1918, which raised $1,700,000 and over-subscribed its quota nearly six times.
Technical Details
Format: Commercial color lithograph.
Dimensions: Approximately 21 x 14 inches (53 x 35.7 cm).
Series: This poster is identified in archival collections as Bulletin No. 5 issued by the Red Cross War Council. |
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