WWII War Bond Event

Download Collections in the Classroom: WWII War Bond Event (pdf)

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• How do countries get money to pay for millitary operations and supplies during a war?
• How did Richmonders support the war effort?
• What role did war bonds play in financially supporting the war effort?

CONTEXT

During World War II, the United States government began selling war bonds to fund the war without continuing to raise taxes. Before the attack on Pearl Habor, the bonds were called “defense bonds.” After the attack, the government changed the name to “war bonds.” War bonds were marketed as a patriotic way for citizens to support the troops and fulfill their duty as Americans. Citizens would purchase war bonds for a specific amount and then were guaranteed to get that money back after the war plus interest. Instead of investing their money in stocks or land, war bond buyers were investing in the United States military. War bonds were sold at banks, post offices, local businesses, concert venues, movie theaters and at patriotic events such as this one shown in the image above encouraging Richmonders to come down and take a look at a captured Japanese submarine. Over 80 million Americans purchased war bonds during World War II, raising more than 185 billion dollars.