Original WWI Poster — "To make the world a decent place to live in" — Liberty bond drive

Updated on July 26, 2025: This has been sold.

The poster features a dramatic red sky, with American infantrymen bravely charging the enemy over the edge of the trench, all while carrying the U.S. flag.

With the text:

"TO MAKE THE WORLD A DECENT PLACE TO LIVE IN
DO YOUR PART—BUY U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS
THIRD LIBERTY LOAN."

Created by American illustrator, Herbert Paus and printed by Niagara Litho. Co., Buffalo, New York. 1917.

This is an original poster. It will be shipped unframed, ready to be framed or linen backed and framed.

Size: 36" x 56"

Shipping: $25. Please allow two weeks for shipping.

Also available — Original WWII Posters:

• Original "Remember Dec. 7th!" WWII Posters — Linen backed — Two sizes, one very large
• Original WWII poster — "Now all together" bond drive poster with image from Iwo Jima
• Original WWII poster — 1943 "We have just begun to fight!"

About the artist

"Herbert Andrew Paus (born Minneapolis, MN 1880—died Mamaroneck, NY) was at his most effective depicting subjects that were, in one way or another, larger than life. The work he produced during World War I was essentially a precursor to his stunning advertisements and poster-like magazine covers. The strong visual impact of his more graphic designs was balanced by his ability to wield fine detail in decorative headings for magazine stories and works of fiction for youngsters. 

"But it was mainly his World War I poster designs that attracted the editorial attention of the mainstream press, including the New York Herald. In late December 1919, the Herald published an item on Paus saying, in part: No mere inspiration of the moment, sudden mood, or flitting fancy, but rather true inspiration, aided by deep study and painstaking execution are responsible for the forceful, effective results that he obtains."

Read the entire bio on the Society of Illustrators site.