Jeunes Gens Engagez Vous Rooster

This poster was created by the French Ministry of War to recruit young people to join the army in 1914. Pictured is the proud Gallic Rooster, a symbol of the hope and faith of the French Republic since the early Renaissance. A cavalry sets out at sunset in the background, a reminder today of how rudimentary battle gear was at the time.

Germany declared war on France on August 3, 1914 as part of its strategy to take France and Belgium to begin its true battle with Russia. Whether this was a strategic and preemptive strike of an inevitable match or a zealous land-grab is up for debate, but many see this as the escalation that made WWI erupt into the massive event it became. The next day, Britain declared war on Germany, two days after that Austria declared war on Russia, with Japan joining the fray later in the month. America would not become involved until 1917.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.