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American Independence

Bénito - Fête de l'Indépendance

Bénito
Fête de l'Indépendance
[Independence Day]
1918, PST 12661

R Buthaud - 1776 – 1917

R Buthaud
1776 – 1917
1917, PST 12659

Eugène Courboin - Untitled

Eugène Courboin
Untitled
PST 7063

Several French posters of the First World War emphasised the historical links existing between America and France. The war in Europe, in some sense, allowed an opportunity for the USA to repay France in helping to gain the nation’s independence.

Benito's poster portrays a contemporary American infantryman and George Washington, both illuminated by a shaft of light from the torch of the Statue of Liberty. The statue in itself is a symbolic tie between America and France. The Americans received it as a gift from the French in 1886, in recognition of the friendship established between the two nations during the American Revolution.

Buthaud's poster emphasises the date 1776, the year in which America made its Declaration of Independence. It underlines the similar importance of the year 1914, the date in which France begins its bid to free the nation from tyranny.

The Courboin poster depicts the figure of the Marquis de Lafayette leaning down to shake hands with Uncle Sam. Lafayette was a Frenchman who evolved a mythical status amongst the emerging American nation for his services in their time of need. In 1777, he purchased a ship and, assisted by a crew of adventurers, sailed to America. He fought in the revolution against the British, leading the American forces in several victories. Then in 1779, Lafayette returned to his homeland and persuaded the French government to send aid to the Americans.


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