Pinoy Kollektor: 143. Philippine Teks and Trade Cards during World War II

Different WWII trade and teks cards

During World War II the US government launched an aggressive propaganda campaign with clearly articulated goals and strategies to galvanize public support, and it recruited some of the nation's foremost artists, and intellectuals, to wage the war on that front.

Instead of using guns, tanks, and bombs which were the principal weapons of war, they used propaganda materials like these trade and teks cards. These cards waged a constant battle for the hearts and minds of the Filipino and American citizenry just as surely as military weapons engaged the enemy. Persuading the public became a wartime industry, almost as important as the manufacturing of bullets and planes.

Guns Blast Corregidor Invasions
Trade card made by GUM, INC. Copyright 1942

Victories were emphasized on these cards to help promote the war effort and raise people's spirits. Propaganda was a tool used on these cards to boost morale at home and to try to lower that of the enemy.

Artists appealed to the love of one's country. These cards usually had a country's flag or some form of representation for that country. They used catchy slogans or short phrases to grab the viewer's attention. These slogans had to be very easy to remember with a very clear message. These always utilized prejudice or racism that existed against these people. Example: Corregidor Falls! and Filipinos Attack 54 Jap Planes !!!

These cards became very influential and shaped the way many Filipinos and Americans viewed the war. It was used for many purposes which included recruiting for the army or helping out on the home front. These patriotic trade cards attempted to maintain unity, loyalty, and confidence throughout the war.