“Uncle Sam Wants YOU” Poster

What do you think the universal idea it represents is? Review the overview for this module for
assistance in what a universal idea is.

The universal idea for “Uncle Sam Wants YOU” poster is to get young men to enlist in the Army during
World War I. This was a troubling time and America needed support. This poster was made as if Uncle
Sam was choosing certain individuals to join the call.

What do you think could be inferred from studying the artifact in terms of the culture and context in
which it was created?

This was created to persuade eligible men to join the Army. Flagg used his own portrait and a poster in
London three years earlier. This poster became the face of the nation and started to be used for other
causes.

What do you believe was the creator's intention in creating the artifact?

Flagg’s intention for the poster was just a cover for a magazine. It was so well liked that the public had
made it into the well known poster it is today. Uncle Sam is meant to be a symbol for patriotism and
pride in one’s country. It is meant to show that one has courage and responsibility to their nation and
will do anything to defend it, no matter the cost.

Resources:

https://militaryhistorynow.com/2016/12/12/i-want-you-the-story-behind-one-of-the-most-famous-
wartime-posters-in-history/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8hBfV0vzrg