Are you man enough?

As the war machine chewed up unit after unit, officials became increasingly desperate to find new recuits. A powerful tool in their recruiting arsenal was the use of propaganda to shame men into fighting.

Created by Canada’s History

 — Posted May 19, 2010

Men felt incredible pressure to serve on the frontlines during the First World War. Here are some examples of recruiting posters that called into question the manhood of those who chose to stay at home rather than fight abroad.

First World War Recruitment Posters

  • Poster includes photo of Sergt. Gibbons
    Hear Sergt. A. Gibbons, a prisoner of war. Everyone should hear his story of German cruelty and hatred.
  • Colour illustration of mother sitting in chair
    Fight for her -- come with the Irish Canadian Rangers Overseas Battalion.
  • Coloured text filled in with Union Jack design
    Have you a reason-- or only an excuse-- for not enlisting?
  • Colour illustration shows man walking by all types of people who support the war effort such as nurses, munitions workers, and soldiers.
    Are you in this?
  • Soldier wanting back-up thinks of the men back home playing sports.
    Why don't they come? Why be a mere spectator here when you should play a mans [sic] part in the real game overseas.
  • Man in recliner envisions himself in battle.
    Why don't I go? The 148th Battalion needs me.
  • Veteran with one hand working a factory machine
    Once a soldier, always a man. The wounded soldier's return. Come and see how your disabled defenders get back their strength and skill.
  • Girl and boy sitting with dad
    Daddy, what did you do in the Great War?
  • Attractive woman walking with a soldier looks down on a civilian man.

All posters courtesy Library and Archives Canada.

Themes associated with this article

Skip social share links

Related to Military & War

Japanese-Canadian Internment

Project explores Japanese-Canadians experience of dispossession during the Second World War.

Article

Gouzenko Deciphered

Evy Wilson, the daughter of Igor and Svetlana Gouzenko, remembers her parents’ stories on the 75th anniversary of their escape to Canada — the first Cold War defection.

Podcast

Fenian Threat

A hundred and fifty years ago, Canadians were terrorized by the threat posed by Irish insurgents who were massing large armies just across the border.

Article

The Christmas Truce

Fiction Feature: A young boy named Justin finds a letter and learns about the Christmas truce of 1914.

Article