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This 1918 lithographed poster, created by Gerrit A. Beneker for the U.S. Department of Labor, offers a powerful image of reconciliation and collaboration in the aftermath of World War I. The poster depicts a soldier and a laborer shaking hands, symbolizing unity between those who fought on the battlefield and those who supported the war effort at home. The soldier, armed with a rifle and dressed in military uniform, stands as a representative of sacrifice and service, while the laborer, dressed in work overalls and holding a sledgehammer, embodies the industrial and agricultural contributions critical to the war.
The accompanying text emphasizes moving forward together: "The Past is Behind Us / The Future is Ahead / Let us all strive to make the future better and brighter than the past ever was."
This message, attributed to W.B. Wilson, Secretary of Labor, suggests that lingering divisions or resentments—whether between soldiers and civilians or across other societal lines—must be left behind to focus on a collective effort toward national rebuilding and progress.
This poster reflects the cultural and political efforts of post-war America to unify the nation and smooth over potential tensions between those who served in combat and those who contributed at home. By presenting the laborer and soldier as equals, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of all roles during and after the war.
Gerrit A. Beneker, known for his portrayals of American workers, captured the spirit of unity and optimism, aligning with the government’s message of reconciliation and shared purpose.
