Cost of the war in terms of human life- Complete on your additional note page. 20 million soldiers died. Millions more wounded. Soviet Union had about 8 million military deaths, and 5 million more wounded. 7-12 million Soviet civilians died. China 10 million dead. 400,000 Americans died and 600,000 were wounded. Probably the most popular pinup artist of the era, Alberto Vargas was already a successful magazine and poster artist when he signed a contract with Esquire magazine to produce monthly pinup art in 1940. He worked with Esquire for five years, during which time millions of magazines were sent free to World War II troops.

Introduction

View of the Attack on Bunker's Hill

View of the Attack on Bunker's Hill, with the Burning of Charles Town, June 17, 1775 (Cropped). Local Identifier: 148-GW-448; National Archives Identifier: 532896

The selected pictures listed below are among the audiovisual holdings of the Still Picture Branch of the National Archives that relate to the American Revolution. The images document the progression of the war, after the Revolution, and portraits of prominent individuals. The records are photographic copies of works of art. The dates, mediums of the originals, and the names of the artists are given wherever it has been possible to determine them. Many pictures related to the American Revolution are not listed here. Separate inquiries about additional images should be as specific as possible listing names, dates, places, events, and other details. To request more information or related images not included in this list, please contact the Still Picture Branch at the contact information below.

Charlotte A. Palmer researched, selected, and arranged the material for this list.

Prelude to War, 1765-75

The Boston Massacre

'The bloody massacre perpetrated in King Street, Boston, on Mar. 5, 1770.' (Cropped) Local Identifier: 111-SC-92632; National Archives Identifier: 530966.

1. Patrick Henry in the House of Burgesses. Engraving from painting by PH. Rothermel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-872. National Archives Identifier: 532930.

2. The bloody massacre perpetrated in King Street, Boston, on Mar. 5, 1770. Engraving by Paul Revere, 1770. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92632. National Archives Identifier: 530966.

3. Boston Massacre, Mar. 5, 1770. Chomolithograph by John Bufford. Local Identifier: 69-N-4877-C. National Archives Identifier: 518262.

4. The destruction of tea at Boston Harbor. Lithograph by Sarony and Major, 1846. Local Identifier: 148-GW-439. National Archives Identifier: 532892.

5. Benjamin Franklin at the Court of St. James. Engraving from painting by C. Schussele. Local Identifier: 66-G-15-B-4. National Archives Identifier: 518216.

6. The able doctor, or America swallowing the bitter draught. Cartoon in line engraving by Paul Revere for the Royal American Magazine, June 1774. Local Identifier: 208-FS-3200-3. National Archives Identifier: 535720.

Beginnings in New England, 1775-76

7. Paul Revere's ride, Illustration. Local Identifier: 208-FS-3200-5. National Archives Identifier: 535721.

8. The first blow for liberty. Print by A.H. Ritchie. Local Identifier: JKH-JH-3. National Archives Identifier: 559250.

9. Battle of Lexington. Drawing from engraving by Amos Doolittle, a Connecticut militiaman. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92639. National Archives Identifier: 530967.

10. Retreat from Concord. Illustration. Local Identifier: 66-G-5-35. National Archives Identifier: 518209.

11. General Putnam leaving his plow for the defense of his country. Lithograph. Local Identifier: 148-GW-441. National Archives Identifier: 532893.

12. Capture of Fort Ticonderoga: Ethan Allen and Captain de Ia Place. Engraving from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 111-SC-94758. National Archives Identifier: 531003.

13. Battle of Bunker Hill. Engraving from painting by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 148-GW-454. National Archives Identifier: 532897.

14. Battle at Charlestown, June 17,1775. Engraving by Bernard Romans, 1775. Local Identifier: 148-GW-477. National Archives Identifier: 532908.

15. The attack on Bunker Hill with the burning of Charlestown, June 17,1775. Engraving by Lodge from drawing by Millar. Local Identifier: 148-GW-448. National Archives Identifier: 532896.

16. Washington taking command of the American Army at Cambridge. 1775. Engraving by C. Rogers from painting by M.A. Wageman. Local Identifier: 148-GW-178. National Archives Identifier: 532874.

17. The death of General Montgomery at Quebec. Engraving by W. Ketterlinus. 1808, from painting by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 148-GW-459. National Archives Identifier: 532898.

18. Hauling guns by ox teams from Fort Ticonderoga for the siege of Boston, 1775. Illustration. Local Identifier: 111-SC-100815. National Archives Identifier: 531113.

19. Washington's first successes at Boston. Lithograph by Turgis. Local Identifier: 148-GW-587. National Archives Identifier: 532917.

20. Faneuil Hall, Boston. Illustration from a steel engraving from the Massachusetts Magazine,1789. Local Identifier: 208-PR-10D-1. National Archives Identifier: 535907.

A Declaration of Determination, 1776

The Declaration of Independence

'The Declaration of Independence. 1776. Copy of painting by John Trumbull, 1817-18.' Local Identifier: 148-GW-662; National Archives Identifier: 532924.

21. The Second Continental Congress voting independence. Painting by Robert Pine and Edward Savage. Local Identifier: 148-CCD-35. National Archives Identifier: 532839.

22. The Declaration of Independence. Painting by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 148-GW-662. National Archives Identifier: 532924.

23. Reading the Declaration of Independence from the east balcony of the State House in Boston. 1776. Illustration. Local Identifier: 148-GW-1141. National Archives Identifier: 532942.

24. Exterior view of Independence Hall. Philadelphia. Engraving. Local Identifier: 66-G-1E-6. National Archives Identifier: 518208.

25. The old Tun Tavern, Philadelphia. Drawing. Local Identifier: 127-EX-1-20. National Archives Identifier: 532355.

26. An east prospect of the city of Philadelphia, taken by George Heap from the Jersey shore, under the direction of Nicholas Scull, surveyor general of the province of Pennsylvania. Engraved and published according to an act of Parliament by T. Jeffreys. near Charing Cross, 1768. Local Identifier: 208-LU-25F-14. National Archives Identifier: 535738.

27. Benjamin Franklin at the Court of France. Painting by Hobens. Local Identifier: 66-G-15B-5. National Archives Identifier: 518217.

28. Spirit of '76. Painting by A.M. Willard, 1876. Local Identifier: 148-GW-1209. National Archives Identifier: 532943.

Campaigns in the Northeast, 1776-77

29. Battle of Long Island. Engraving, 1874, from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 111-SC-96741. National Archives Identifier: 531085.

30. Retreat at Long Island. Engraving by J.C. Armytage from painting by M.A. Wageman. Local Identifier: 148-GW-174. National Archives Identifier: 532873.

31. Crossing the Delaware. Painting by Emanuel Leutze. Local Identifier: 66-G-15D-25. National Archives Identifier: 518218.

32. Washington at the Battle of Trenton. Engraving by Illman Brothers. 1870, from painting by E.L. Henry. Local Identifier: 148-GW-580. National Archives Identifier: 532916.

33. Surrender of the Hessian troops to General Washington after the Battle of Trenton. Lithograph by Henry Hoff, 1850. Local Identifier: 148-GW-332. National Archives Identifier: 532880.

34. Washington at Princeton, Jan. 3, 1777. Lithograph by D. McLellan, 1853. Local Identifier: 148-GW-331. National Archives Identifier: 532879.

35. West Point, on the Hudson River, NY. Watercolor by Maj. Pierre L'Enfant, Engineer, ca. 1780. Local Identifier: 66-G-21GL-4. National Archives Identifier: 518222.

36. Battle of Bennington. Engraving, 1874, from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 111-SC-96740. National Archives Identifier: 531084.

37. Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga. Painting by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 16-AD-8. National Archives Identifier: 512777.

Activities in the Central Colonies, 1777-78

38. The first flag being made. Illustration. Local Identifier: 148-GW-1210. National Archives Identifier: 532944.

39. Encounter between Capt. Allan McLane and a British dragoon at Frankfort, near Philadelphia. Painting by James Peale. Local Identifier: 111-SC-91311. National Archives Identifier: 530954.

40. Germantown battle, Chew's house. Engraving by Rawdon, Wright, and Harch from drawing by Koeltner. Local Identifier: 148-GW-94. National Archives Identifier: 532863.

41. Baron von Steuben at Valley Forge, 1777. Painting by Augustus G. Heaton. Local Identifier: 111-SC-83897. National Archives Identifier: 530884.

42. George Washington and a Committee of Congress at Valley Forge. Engraving, 1866, from painting by W.H. Powell. Local Identifier: 148-GW-184. National Archives Identifier: 532876.

43. Prayer at Valley Forge. Engraving by John McRae from painting by Henry Brueckner. Local Identifier: 148-GW-201. National Archives Identifier: 532878.

44. George Washington at Monmouth, June 28,1778. Engraving by G.R. Hall, 1858. Local Identifier: 148-GW-95. National Archives Identifier: 532864.

45. Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth. Engraving by J.C. Armytage from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-923. National Archives Identifier: 532935.

Campaign in the West, 1778-79

46. Col. George Rogers Clark's conference with the Indians at Cahokia. Painting by Ezra Winter. Local Identifier: 66-G-5-108. National Archives Identifier: 518213.

47. Clark's march against Vincennes, across the Wabash River. through wilderness and flood. Painting by Ezra Winter. Local Identifier: 66-G-5-106. National Archives Identifier: 518211.

Public Domain Movie Posters

48. Clark's attack on Fort Sackville. Painting by Ezra Winter. Local Identifier: 66-G-5-107. National Archives Identifier: 518212.

49. Surrender of Fort Sackville by Colonel Hamilton to Clark. Painting by Ezra Winter. Local Identifier: 66-G-5-105. National Archives Identifier: 518210.

Victory in the South, 1778-81

Siege of Yorktown

Siege of Yorktown. Local Identifier: 148-GW-516; National Archives Identifier: 532911.

50. George Washington receiving French generals at Mount Vernon. Illustration. Local Identifier: 19-N-1587. National Archives Identifier: 512943.

51. Attack on Savannah, Oct. 8,1779. Illustration by A.I. Keller. Local Identifier: 148-GW-1120. National Archives Identifier: 532940.

52. Battle of Camden; Death of DeKaib. Engraving from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-164. National Archives Identifier: 532972.

53. Col. William Augustine Washington at the Battle of Cowpens. Drawn and engraved for Graham's Magazine by S.H. Gimber. Local Identifier:148-GW-390. National Archives Identifier: 532886.

54. Siege of Yorktown. Engraving by O.M. Fontaine from painting by Conder. Local Identifier: 148-GW-516. National Archives Identifier: 532911.

55. Capture of Yorktown. Lithograph by Turgis. Local Identifier: 148-GW-565. National Archives Identifier: 532913.

56. Surrender of Cornwallis. Painting by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 16-AD-60. National Archives Identifier: 512778.

War at Sea

57. John Paul Jones capturing the Serapis. Engraving from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 127-EX-1-19. National Archives Identifier: 532354.

58. Combat memorable donne le 22, 7re 1779, entre le Captaine Pearson commandant le Serapis et Paul Jones commandant le Bonhomme Richard et son escadre. Engraving from painting by Richard Paton. ca. 1779-80. Local Identifier: 148-GW-444. National Archives Identifier: 532895.

59. The Lexington. Painting by F. Muller. Local Identifier: 19-N-14171. National Archives Identifier: 513013.

War From British Viewpoint

60. The Bostonians paying the exciseman, or tarring and feathering. Cartoon in mezzotint, published by Sayer and Bennett, London, 1774. Local Identifier: 148-GW-436. National Archives Identifier: 532889.

61. The Bostonians in distress. Cartoon in mezzotint, published by Sayer and Bennett, London, 1774. Local Identifier: 148-GW-437. National Archives Identifier: 532890.

62. The alternative of Williamsburg. Cartoon in mezzotint. published by Sayer and Bennett, London, 1775. Local Identifier: 148-GW-438. National Archives Identifier: 532891.

63. The landing of the British forces in the Jerseys on Nov. 20,1776, under the command of Rt. Hon. Lt. Gen. Earl Cornwallis. Watercolor by Thomas Davies, a British officer, 1776. Local Identifier: 148-GW-365. National Archives Identifier: 532884.

64. The left bank of the Hudson River 3 miles above Still Water, upon which the army under the command of Lieutenant General Burgoyne took post on Sept. 20, 1777. (Showing General Frazer's funeral.) Engraving by Barlow; published by William Lane, London, 1789. Local Identifier: 148-GW-442. National Archives Identifier: 532894.

65. The Phoenix and the Rose engaged by the enemy's fire ships and galleys on Aug. 16,1776. Aquatint from original picture by D. Serres from a sketch by Sir James Wallace; Published, 1778. Local Identifier: 148-GW-476. National Archives Identifier: 532907.

66. The unfortunate death of Major Andre, Oct. 2, 1780. Engraving by Goldar, 1783, from drawing by Hamilton. Local Identifier: 208-LU-25K-7. National Archives Identifier: 535744.

67. British cartoon criticizing the King's use of Indians in the war, ca. 1780. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92711. National Archives Identifier: 530969.

After the Revolution, 1783

General Washington Resigning his Commission

'General Washington Resigning his Commission to Congress. Annapolis, Maryland December 23d, 1783. Copy of painting by John Trumbull, 1822-24.' Local Identifier: 16-AD-61; National Archives Identifier: 512779.

68. Triumph of patriotism-Washington entering New York, Nov. 25,1783. Engraving by A.H. Ritchie. Local Identifier: 148-GW-334. National Archives Identifier: 532881.

69. Washington's farewell to his officers. Engraving by Phillibrown from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-179. National Archives Identifier: 532875.

70. The Peace BalI. Painting by Jennie Brownscombe. Local Identifier: 148-GW-396. National Archives Identifier: 532887.

71. Washington resigning his commission at Annapolis, Dec. 23, 1783. Painting by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 16-AD-61. National Archives Identifier: 512779.

72. A chart of battles, leaders, and congresses during the Revolutionary War. Local Identifier: 148-GW-378. National Archives Identifier: 532885.

Portraits of Colonial Patriots

73. Adams, John. Painting (bust) by C.W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-CD-4-11. National Archives Identifier: 532843.

74. Adams, Samuel. Painting (bust) by John S. Copley. Local Identifier: 148-CD-4-20. National Archives Identifier: 532844.

75. Barry, John. Engraving (full length) from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-146. National Archives Identifier: 532871.

76. Dickinson, John. Painting (bust) by C.W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-CCD-59. National Archives Identifier: 532841.

77. Dwight, Timothy. Engraving (bust) by D.C. Hinman from painting by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92819. National Archives Identifier: 530971.

78. Franklin, Benjamin. Painting (bust) by Joseph Duplessis. Local Identifier: 148-CD-14-20. National Archives Identifier: 532849.

79. Gates, Horatio. Mezzotint (¾ length) published by John Morris, London, 1778. Local Identifier: 148-GW-472. National Archives Identifier: 532903.

80. Greene, Nathanael. Mezzotint (full length) by V. Green from painting by C.W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-GW-474. National Archives Identifier: 532905.

81. Hamilton, Alexander. Painting (bust) by John Trumbull. Local Identifier: 148-CP-6. National Archives Identifier: 532853.

82. Hamilton, Mrs. Alexander. Engraving (seated pose) from painting by Ralph Earl, 1781. Local Identifier: 148-GW-933. National Archives Identifier: 532936.

83. Hancock, John. Painting (½ length) by John S. Copley. Local Identifier: 148-CD-4-23. National Archives Identifier: 532845.

84. Hanson, John. Etching (bust) by H.B. Hall, 1871, from painting by C.W. Peale. Local Identifier: 59-LP-39. National Archives Identifier: 518070.

85. Hopkins, Esek. Mezzotint (3/4 length) published by Thomas Hart, London, 1776. Local Identifier: 148-GW-461. National Archives Identifier: 532899.

86. Jay, John. Painting (3/4 length) by Gilbert Stuart. Local Identifier: 148-GW-735a. National Archives Identifier: 532926.

87. Jay, Mrs. John. Engraving (¾-length profile) from painting by R.E. Pine. Local Identifier: 148-GW-918. National Archives Identifier: 532934.

88. Jefferson, Thomas. Charcoal drawing (bust). Local Identifier: 59-PP-3. National Archives Identifier: 518078.

89. Jones, John Paul. Engraving (bust) by J.B. Fosseyeux, 1781, from drawing by J.M. Moreau, Jr., 1780. Local Identifier: 19-N-12445. National Archives Identifier: 512987.

90. Jones, Paul, the Pirate. Engraving (full-length caricature) published by A. Park, London. Local Identifier: 208-LU-25K-14. National Archives Identifier: 535745.

91. Knox, Henry. Painting (¾ length) by Gilbert Stuart. Local Identifier: 148-GW-800. National Archives Identifier: 532928.

92. Laurens, Henry Painting (bust) by John S. Copley, 1781. Local Identifier: 148-CP-213. National Archives Identifier: 532856.

93. Lee, Henry (Lighthorse Harry). Engraving (full length). Local Identifier: 148-GW-142. National Archives Identifier: 532869.

94. Lee, Richard Henry. Painting (bust profile) by W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-CP-199. National Archives Identifier: 532854.

95. Lincoln, Benjamin. Painting (3/4 length) by Henry Sargent. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92618. National Archives Identifier: 530962.

96. Madison, James. Painting (bust) by Gilbert Stuart. Local Identifier: 148-CC-13-9. National Archives Identifier: 532835.

97. Madison, Mrs. James (Dolley). Engraving (¾ length) from painting by Gilbert Stuart. Local Identifier: 148-GW-936. National Archives Identifier: 532938.

98. Mifflin, Thomas. Painting (bust) by Rembrandt Peale from painting by C. W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-CP-4. National Archives Identifier: 532852.

99. Montgomery, Richard. Engraving (full length) by G. R. Hall from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-135. National Archives Identifier: 532866.

100. Morgan, Daniel. Engraving (full length) from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-144. National Archives Identifier: 532870.

101. Morris, Robert. Painting (bust) by C. W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-CD-14-39. National Archives Identifier: 532850.

102. Morris, Mrs. Robert. Engraving (¾ length) from painting by C. W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-GW-935. National Archives Identifier: 532937.

103. Moultrie, William. Engraving (full length) from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-133. National Archives Identifier: 532865.

104. Paine, Thomas. Engraving (bust) from painting by Romney. Local Identifier: 111-BA-1073. National Archives Identifier: 530488.

105. Pickering, Timothy. Painting (bust) by Rice from painting by Gilbert Stuart. Local Identifier: 111-SC-69058. National Archives Identifier: 530794.

106. Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth. Painting (¾ length) by Gilbert Stuart and Charles Fraser. Local Identifier: 148-CC-42-6. National Archives Identifier: 532837

107. Putnam, Israel. Engraving (full length). Local Identifier: 148-GW-141. National Archives Identifier: 532868.

108. Randolph, Peyton. Painting (bust) by C. W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-GW-731b. National Archives Identifier: 532925.

109. Rush, Benjamin. Painting (¾ length) attributed to John Neagle from painting by Thomas Sully. Local Identifier: 148-CP-200. National Archives Identifier: 532855.

110. St. Clair, Arthur. Painting (bust) by C. W. Peale. Local Identifier: 148-CCD-43. National Archives Identifier: 532840.

111. Salomon, Haym. Sketch (bust) by C. Noar. Local Identifier: 148-GW-1124. National Archives Identifier: 532941.

112. Schuyler, Phillip. Engraving (bust) by Hall from painting by John Trumbull, 1792. Local Identifier: 111-SC-94762. National Archives Identifier: 531004.

113. Stark, John. Engraving (full length) from painting by Alonzo Chappel. Local Identifier: 148-GW-137. National Archives Identifier: 532867.

114. Washington, George, the Virginia Colonel. Painting (¾ length) by C. W. Peale, 1772. Local Identifier: 148-GW-46. National Archives Identifier: 532861.

115. Washington, George, at Dorchester Heights. Painting (full length) by Gilbert Stuart. Local Identifier: 148-GW-2. National Archives Identifier: 532859.

116. Washington, Mrs. George (Martha). Engraving (bust). Local Identifier: 66-G-15D-61. National Archives Identifier: 518219.

117. Wayne, Anthony. Painting (bust) by E. Savage; published in 1796. Local Identifier: 148-GW-468. National Archives Identifier: 532902.

118. Webster. Noah. Painting (bust) attributed to James Sharpies, Sr. Local Identifier: 111-SC-93172. National Archives Identifier: 530984.

Portraits of Foreign Allies

Marquis de Lafayette

Bust of Marquis de Lafayette. Local Identifier: 19-N-1581; National Archives Identifier: 512941.

119. Estaing, Count d'. Engraving (bust) by H. B. Hail's Sons. Local Identifier: 111-SC-96269. National Archives Identifier: 531083.

120. Grasse, Count de. Engraving (bust) by Lemercier from painting by A. Maurin, 1837. Local Identifier: 19-N-1141. National Archives Identifier: 512939.

121. Kosciusko, Thadeusz. Engraving (bust) by H. B. Hall. Local Identifier: 148-GW-611. National Archives Identifier: 532919.

122. Lafayette, Marquis de. Engraving (bust) by George E. Perine. Local Identifier: 19-N-1581. National Archives Identifier: 512941.

123. Lafayette, Marquis de; conclusion de Ia campagne de 1781 en Virginie. Engraving (full length) by Noel Le Mire from painting by J. B. LePaon, Local Identifier: 19-N-1583. National Archives Identifier: 512942.

124. Lafayette, Madame de. Etching (¾ length) by Albert Rosenthal, 1894. Local Identifier: 148-GW-522. National Archives Identifier: 532912.

125. Pulaski, Count Casimir. Engraving (bust) by H.B. Hall, 1871. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92025. National Archives Identifier: 530955.

126. Rochambeau, Count de Engraving (¾ length) by T. D. Booth from painting by J. D. Court. Local Identifier: 19-N-1579. National Archives Identifier: 512940.

127. Steuben, Baron von. Painting (¾ length) by Ralph Earl. Local Identifier: 148-GW-76a. National Archives Identifier: 532862.

Portraits of British Leaders and Allies

128. Brant, Joseph (Thayendanegea). Drawing (¾ length) from painting by Romney, 1774. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92608. National Archives Identifier: 530960.

129. Burgoyne, John. Engraving (bust) by S. Hollyer. Local Identifier: 148-GW-616. National Archives Identifier: 532920.

130. Cornwallis, Marquis. Engraving (full length) by J. Ward from painting by Sir W. Beechey; published in 1799. Local Identifier: 148-GW-463. National Archives Identifier: 532901.

131. Gage, Thomas. Engraving (bust). Local Identifier: 111-SC-94745. National Archives Identifier: 531002.

132. George III, King of England. Mezzotint (¾ length) by E. Fisher from painting by Benjamin West; published in 1778. Local Identifier: 148-GW-473. National Archives Identifier: 532904.

133. Phillips, William. Engraving (bust). Local Identifier: 111-SC-92594. National Archives Identifier: 530958.

134. Riedesel, Baron Friedrich. Painting (bust) by Schroeder. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92607. National Archives Identifier: 530959.

135. Riedesel, Baroness. Painting (½ length) by Tischbein. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92568. National Archives Identifier: 530956.

136. St. Leger, Barry. Engraving (bust) from miniature by R. Casway. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92625. National Archives Identifier: 530964.

137. Tarleton, Banastre. Painting (full length) by Sir Joshua Reynolds, ca. 1782. Local Identifier: 148-GW-619. National Archives Identifier: 532922.

Portraits of Colonial Traitors and Tories
138. Arnold, Benedict. Engraving (bust profile) by H. B. Hall, 1879. Local Identifier: 148-GW-617. National Archives Identifier: 532921.

139. Lee, Charles. Engraving (½ length) by G. R. Hall. Local Identifier: 148-GW-632. National Archives Identifier: 532923.

140. Shippen, Peggy (Mrs. Benedict Arnold) and child (seated pose). Painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence. Local Identifier: 111-SC-92575. National Archives Identifier: 530957.

To Request Information about Records

Mail: Still Picture Reference
Room 5360
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001

Telephone: 301-837-0561

FAX: 301-837-3621

E-mail:stillpix@nara.gov

The photographs on this list are within the public domain and there are no Use Restrictions. If you’d like to use an image from the Still Picture Branch holdings, please see our Copyright and Permissions page.

Britain started to prepare for the Second World War at least a year before it actually started.

In 1938, the government began to build new warships and increase its armaments. However, this war would not just involve soldiers. The government expected the war to disrupt and threaten the lives of civilians left at home. This happened in a variety of different ways, from cutting down railings to be melted down and used in munitions factories, to rationing and evacuation plans.

Between 1938 and 1939, the government thought of all the possible dangers and difficulties the Home Front would face during war, and started to take precautions. People were needed on the home front to help with all sorts of things. They were encouraged to plant vegetables on any spare land they had to supplement the rationing, but people were also recruited into a variety of essential positions such as Air Raid Wardens and the Home Guard. People were also encouraged to think about their safety, and the government spent a great deal of time educating people on what to do in situations such as an air raid, or a gas attack, as well as providing information on how to make rations stretch further and how to keep yourself healthy.

Tasks

1. Look at Source 1. This is one of a series of posters designed to encourage people to grow their own food.

• Why did the government want the Home Front to ‘Dig for Plenty’?
• If the Home Front had not organised growing more of its own food, what would have happened?
• Would a poster showing what would happen if people did not start to ‘dig’ have been more or less effective? Explain your answer

2. Read Source 2. This is a government poster about evacuation.

• Who is the ghostly figure whispering ‘Take them back!’?
• Where is he pointing?
• What does he want the mother to do and why?
• Why might this mother be tempted to ‘Take them back’?
• Why were civilians evacuated during the Second World War?

3. Look at Sources 3 a, b and c. These were leaflets produced during the war.

• Who produced these leaflets?
• What dangers are these leaflets about?
• How many different types of gas masks would the government have to provide?
• How useful do you think the advice offered in these leaflets is?
• The government had to be careful not to scare people, but at the same time it wanted people to take notice and be prepared. How do these leaflets:
  • get people to take notice?
  • educate people?
  • reassure people?

4. Look at Source 4. This poster shows a woman slapping Hitler in the face.

• What type of war work does this poster advertise?
• What is happening in this poster?
• Can you explain the double meaning behind the caption?
• Why was the work of part-time women workers an essential part of defeating Hitler?
• How might this poster encourage women to contribute to the war effort?

5. Look at Sources 5 a and b. These are wartime warning posters.

• What dangers do these sources warn the public about?
• Who was the local air raid warden for Drypool Green?
• What was the air raid signal for ‘all clear’?
• In the months leading up to September 1939 many towns practised their air raid signals and taking shelter. Why do you think this was necessary?
• Read the section in Source 5a called ‘Fire Precautions’. Which parts are the public
  • likely to follow?
  • likely to ignore?
• Look at Source 5b. Read all the labels. How would each precaution help save lives if there was an air raid?

6. Read Source 6. This is a telephone conversation between Mr Cleave and Captain Denaro – a mine laying specialist – in 1940.

• Why were mines placed on the beaches?
• What is Mr. Cleave complaining about?
• According to Mr. Cleave, was placing mines on the beach an effective way of protecting Britain?
• Do you think Mr. Cleave was being unreasonable?
• What does this source tell us about the power the government had over people’s lives during the Second World War?

Background

Evacuation

Public Domain Travel Posters

Evacuation plans had been in preparation well before the outbreak of war. Small-scale evacuation of women and children were carried out in September 1938 but the real evacuation began in September 1939. The government had planned to evacuate about three million people but in the end only one million left home. A few hours after the war was declared on 3 September 1939, almost all of them had been evacuated from the danger areas to the reception areas.

Air raids

The biggest danger came from air raids. Air raids meant both danger and disruption. 60,595 civilians died as a result of enemy action in the UK. Homes, workplaces and public buildings were destroyed. Streets were subject to the ‘blackout’ – lighting restrictions – and the ban on street lighting caused a huge rise in car accidents. Volunteers were needed to be trained in civil defence duties. These included fire-fighting, first aid and ambulance driving.

Civilians were instructed in how to protect themselves against poison gas attacks and issued with gas masks, which they were encouraged to carry on all journeys. Fortunately, poison gas was never used as a weapon in Britain. They were also given materials to build air raid shelters in the backyards. Strong buildings were also prepared for use as air raid shelters.

Workers

The working lives of most of the adult population changed with the outbreak of war. To fight the war, men aged between 18 and 41 were needed in the navy and army. This would take them away from their jobs in factories and farms. To fill the shortage, women were recruited for jobs previously done by men. Women worked in the factories, constructing weapons and many others joined the Land Army to work on farms.

Rationing

Much of the food, clothes and fuel which Britain needed came from abroad. The war disrupted and prevented these supplies from arriving. This meant shortages of the essentials to keep life going. In 1940, rationing was introduced in Britain. The ration book became indispensable for every man, woman and child, ensuring a fair distribution of what meagre essentials were available. The government also tried to encourage people to grow food on every available piece of land.

Invasion

Another danger was from invasion. When in 1940 the Channel Isles fell into German hands and it looked as though the RAF was loosing the Battle of Britain, the government called on volunteers to join the Home Guard – Dad’s Army – to help defend Britain from attack.

Teachers' notes

This lesson asks pupils to develop their understanding of the war on the Home Front from their basic understanding. Through primary source analysis it examines how those involved on the Home Front were encouraged to deal with the war and the problems that shortages and uncertainty created.

Pupils investigate the organisation and bureaucracy behind the ARP system, before looking at details of how individuals were advised to take precautions. This lesson helps pupils understand the attitude to the war on the Home Front, as well as developing their ability to use source evidence to question and challenge existing beliefs.

This lesson can form part of studies for Key stage 1 and 2 Scheme of Work Unit 9 and Key stage 3 Scheme of Work Unit 18. In addition, it offers coverage of National Curriculum requirements for History in England, relating to general requirements of knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past, together with breadth of study requirements to study significant events and developments from across the 20th century. Similarly there are clear links to citizenship and PSHE issues that can be explored further with teacher development.

Sources

Illustration : INF 3/96 – Dig on for Victory Poster

Source 1 : INF 3/98 – Dig for Plenty Poster

Source 2 : INF 13/171 – Don’t Do It Mother Poster

Source 3 A, B & C : HO 186/2247 – Gas Raid Quiz and Gas Mask Leaflets

Source 4 : INF 3/400 – Just a Good Afternoons Work poster

Source 5 A : HO 186/2247 – ARP Notice

Source 5 B : ZPER 34 – Air Raid house picture from the Illustrated London News, 1938

Source 6 : WO 199/94 – Conversation between Mr Celave & Capt. Denaro regarding beach mines

Source 7 : INF 3/232 – Be Careful what you say poster

External links

West Indies Calling (1944)
Film about the contribution of West Indians to the war at home and abroad.

Films from the Home Front
A collection of moving images showing what life was like for ordinary people in Britain during World War II.

Public Domain Vintage Posters

Children of World War II
Find out what life was like for children in the Second World War.

MOI Reports
The website holds the Home Intelligence Reports of the Second World War which include regular surveys of public opinion on events, policies and the state of morale on the home front. Mostly National Archives documents, transcribed and keyword searchable.