This Is the Enemy

This dramatic poster, "This Is the Enemy," confronts the viewer with a stark message of wartime defiance. A menacing, clawed hand, rendered in deep shadows and sharp angles, clutches a tattered map of the world, specifically highlighting the United States. The map itself appears ripped and vulnerable, emphasizing the threat. Above this sinister hand, bold, red block letters scream the title, demanding attention. Below, the hand’s grip is further emphasized by the way it deforms the map, suggesting a destructive power. Created in 1942, the poster’s urgent tone and confrontational imagery reflect the anxieties and calls to action of World War II, urging citizens to recognize and resist the perceived dangers. Karl Heffner, who made this lithograph, was active during a period when propaganda posters were crucial tools for shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the war effort.