As production of goods increased dramatically during the 1920s, the advertising business took on the problem of convincing consumers to buy the many wonders available. Advertisers turned to psychology to learn consumer motivations and to direct product appeals at consumers' frustrations, social ambitions, and fears. By studying these advertisements, which appeared in abundance in magazines, we can learn much about peoples' concerns about new home products and even about their emotional needs. Many advertisements were designed to subtly connect products with glamour, love, or social acceptance.

Explore how psychology was used to promote the war effort. View six examples of posters created during World War I and World War II from the Illinois State Museum collection.