Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them: Buy War Bonds?
During World War I, the United States government launched a series of patriotic campaigns to encourage citizens to invest in war bonds. The most famous of these campaigns was the "Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them" campaign, which warned Americans that if they didn’t buy war bonds, the enemy would gain power and threaten their freedom.
What were War Bonds?
War bonds were a type of government-issued bond that allowed citizens to invest in the war effort by buying bonds that would generate interest and eventually be repaid. The idea was simple: the government would issue bonds with a guaranteed interest rate, and in return, citizens would invest their money to support the war effort. The funds raised from war bond sales would be used to finance the war, including buying military equipment, paying for soldiers’ salaries, and funding other war-related expenses.
The "Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them" Campaign
In 1918, the U.S. government launched the "Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them" campaign, which was designed to persuade Americans to buy war bonds. The campaign used a variety of tactics, including posters, advertisements, and public events, to spread the message. The campaign’s slogan, "Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them," was printed on posters and advertisements and became a popular catchphrase.
Why Buy War Bonds?
The campaign emphasized several reasons why Americans should buy war bonds. Here are some of the main points:
• Support the War Effort: By buying war bonds, Americans could directly support the war effort and help to finance the purchase of military equipment, pay for soldiers’ salaries, and fund other war-related expenses.
• Guaranteed Interest: War bonds offered a guaranteed interest rate, which meant that investors could earn a return on their investment.
• Keep America Safe: The campaign warned that if Americans didn’t buy war bonds, the enemy would gain power and threaten their freedom.
• Patriotism: Buying war bonds was seen as a patriotic act, and Americans who invested in war bonds were seen as contributing to the war effort.
Who Was the Enemy?
The enemy, of course, was Germany, and the campaign emphasized the danger that Germany posed to American freedom and way of life. The campaign used powerful imagery, including images of German soldiers and propaganda, to create fear and uncertainty among Americans.
Results of the Campaign
The "Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them" campaign was a huge success, with Americans buying over $21 billion worth of war bonds during World War I. The campaign’s impact was significant, as it helped to mobilize American support for the war effort and raised vital funds to finance the war.
Table: War Bond Sales During World War I
| Year | War Bond Sales (in billions of dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1917 | $2.5 |
| 1918 | $12.5 |
| 1919 | $5.5 |
| 1920 | $1.5 |
Legacy of the Campaign
The "Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them" campaign had a lasting impact on American history. It helped to create a sense of patriotism and national unity during a time of war, and it demonstrated the power of effective marketing and propaganda. The campaign also laid the groundwork for future war bond campaigns, including those during World War II and the Cold War.
Conclusion
The "Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them" campaign was a powerful reminder of the importance of buying war bonds during World War I. By emphasizing the need to support the war effort, guaranteeing interest, and appealing to American patriotism, the campaign encouraged millions of Americans to invest in war bonds. Today, the campaign remains an important part of American history, and its legacy continues to inspire and educate us about the importance of investing in our country’s future.
