Treat ‘Em Rough Join The Tanks poster – United States Tank Corps 1917

Treat ‘Em Rough Join The Tanks poster – United States Tank Corps 1917 Join The Tanks: Unleashing “Black Tom” on the Western Front In 1917, amidst the fervor of World War I, the United States government, recognizing the power of public opinion, established the Committee on Public Information (CPI). This powerful entity aimed to galvanize public support for the war effort, and artists were enlisted to create compelling visuals that could be easily and widely disseminated. Posters became a crucial tool, their vibrant imagery and impactful messages gracing walls across the nation, urging citizens to contribute in various ways. Among the many artists who answered the call was August William Hutaf, a renowned illustrator and commercial artist. His contributions to the war effort included iconic posters such as “Keep at it Boys – I’m Watching You” and “Send the Slam from Alabam,” each designed to stir patriotic fervor. However, it was his creation, the Join The Tanks poster, that truly captured the public imagination. Dominating the Join The Tanks poster is a ferocious, black wildcat, its claws extended menacingly as it soars through a fiery battlefield. The cat, bearing its teeth and claws, embodies aggression and power, symbolising the ferocity of the American war machine. Below, early World War I tanks engage in a fierce battle, their treads churning the ground, and explosions erupting in a cacophony of colour. This dynamic scene serves as a powerful backdrop, emphasising the urgency and danger of the conflict. The poster’s message is clear and concise: “Join the Tanks” with the United States Tank Corps. It urges men to enlist at their local Army Recruitment Station, promising a role in this exciting and cutting-edge branch of the military. The Tank Corps, a relatively new unit at the time, was under the command of the legendary Captain George S. Patton, adding an aura of prestige and excitement to the call to arms. The success of the Join The Tanks poster was undeniable. The fearsome black cat, affectionately dubbed “Black Tom” by the public, quickly became the unofficial mascot of the Tank Corps. It served as a powerful symbol of American might and a rallying cry for those seeking to contribute to the war effort. The Tank Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces played a crucial role in the Allied victory on the Western Front. These mechanised units, equipped with the latest in tank technology, spearheaded assaults, broke through enemy lines, and helped to turn the tide of the war. The Join The Tanks poster, with its iconic imagery of “Black Tom,” undoubtedly played a significant role in recruiting the brave men who served in this elite corps. Today, original copies of the Join The Tanks poster are highly sought-after by collectors. In 2013, one such original sold at auction for a remarkable $1,725, a testament to its historical and artistic significance. This iconic poster, a product of the war effort and the creative genius of August William Hutaf, continues to resonate with viewers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in World War I and the enduring power of art to inspire and motivate.