A GALLERY OF WAR RECRUITMENT POSTERS (16 Pics)

In times of war, there are basically two ways for a combatant nation to fill the ranks of its armed services — it can recruit volunteer soldiers or conscript (i.e. draft) them. The former is accomplished in any number of ways, one of which is the mass production of recruitment posters. As we approach our yearly Veterans Day remembrance, I felt a new gallery was in order, so here it is.

Quasi-War (1798 – 1800)
This is commonly thought to be a recruitment poster for the American Revolution, but the 11th Infantry Regiment (under Lt. Col. Aaron Ogden) referenced in the poster was not formed until 1798, when war with France loomed. For a full-resolution version of this image click here.

American Civil War (1861 – 1865)