Keep Up The Good Work - Large

This World War II poster uses the familiar figure of Uncle Sam to deliver a powerful economic message to American citizens on the home front. In the background, a chart compares the soaring “Cost of Living in Two Wars”—one line showing the sharp increases of the First World War, and the other a steadier path under the controls of World War II. Uncle Sam points toward the line of the current war, reinforcing the importance of maintaining discipline in spending and compliance with wartime rationing. The slogan urges: “Keep up the good work. Keep down living costs. Pay no more than ceiling prices.” It was part of the government’s campaign to encourage Americans to follow price controls, avoid inflation, and ensure resources were fairly distributed during wartime shortages.The poster is attributed to Xavier Gonzalez Helguera (dates unknown), who produced several wartime posters during the 1940s. Helguera’s style often blended clear, didactic graphics with expressive illustration, making co