Contents
Introduction
The Campaign
July 1942: America At War
Organizing The Campaign
The Magazine Publishers
The Treasury Department
Award-Winning Designs
History of the Motto
Magazine Cover Gallery
After July 1942
Behind the Designs
The Flag In World War II
Search the Covers
About The Collection, Resources, Credits
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Behring Center
About The Collection Resources Credits
July 1942: United We Stand
The Treasury Department
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Most government officials wanted to levy payroll taxes to fund the war, but Secretary Morgenthau sought to preserve the voluntary savings system. He believed selling war bonds was more democratic, allowing everyone — including children — to participate and get involved. In April 1942, he vowed to increase bond sales to $1 billion a month by July.

The Treasury Department reached its goal, launching a massive drive promoted by posters, parades, store displays, newspapers, magazines, and radio shows. By the end of World War II, Americans had bought over $185 billion in bonds.

  
War bond: click to enlarge
  War bond
In 1942, war bonds (formerly known as defense bonds) were sold in denominations of $25, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. This $25 war bond was purchased in July 1942.
Courtesy of Constantine Raitzky
 

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