We Can Do It!
ca. 1942 - 1943
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This now iconic poster was designed by artist J. Howard Miller and commissioned by the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Though today the poster is often identified as "Rosie the Riveter," the "We Can Do It" poster was originally displayed for just two weeks in 1943 on the walls inside of Westinghouse plants. It was one of many posters that were meant to keep the American workforce motivated throughout World War II.
In 1944, the War Production Board offered a collection of over 1,500 posters, including "We Can Do It" to the National Archives. Many years later, in the early 1980s, the poster reeemerged into the public eye and has since been adopted by many as a symbol of female empowerment, especially embodying the WWII ideal of "Rosie the Riveter."
In 1944, the War Production Board offered a collection of over 1,500 posters, including "We Can Do It" to the National Archives. Many years later, in the early 1980s, the poster reeemerged into the public eye and has since been adopted by many as a symbol of female empowerment, especially embodying the WWII ideal of "Rosie the Riveter."
This primary source comes from the Records of the War Production Board.
National Archives Identifier: 535413
Full Citation: Poster 179-WP-1563; We Can Do It!; ca. 1942 - 1943; War Production Board, 1942 - 1943; Records of the War Production Board, Record Group 179; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/we-can-do-it, June 20, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
