"Soon after we entered the war, the national government, after much debate, decided to use advertising as a means of winning public support for war projects. The public was asked to buy War Bonds, to conserve food, to salvage metal and paper. We were urged to take the complicated steps necessary to achieve some degree of economic stabilization. Young women were called upon to enlist in the WAACs (above) and the WAVES and other branches of national service. The responses of the public to these appeals has been magnificent. The greatest objectives of the nation are being attained. Advertising has performed no miracles, but in practicable human fashion the war goals are being approached. So, advertising has been firmly established as a vital instrument of public service. The war itself has proved that through advertising, democratic people can be persuaded quickly to take the action necessary for their national defense."
Click here to read more about the history of advertising.
Click here to read about the American cosmetic industry during the Second World War.
Articles about the importance of fashion models in 1940s advertising can be read here.
