1950s People's Liberation Army Propaganda Poster
By: Anonymous
Date: 1950s (circa)
Dimensions: 30 x 21 inches (76 x 53 cm)
This Chinese propaganda poster features two determined-looking soldiers in thick military coats and helmets, both bearing red stars, symbolizing the People's Liberation Army (PLA). They are holding submachine guns and flipping through the pages of an open book, which contains historical statistics on military conflicts. The left page references the Soviet Union’s role in World War II, stating that the Red Army defeated 12 million German, Japanese, and Axis troops. The right page highlights the Chinese Communist Party’s military successes, claiming that the PLA eliminated 8 million counter-revolutionary forces from 1927 to 1950.
Beneath the soldiers, a group of caricatured Western figures is shown in a chaotic, panicked state. One holds a cracked bottle labeled “R-758,” another waves a tattered flag with the symbol of the U.S. dollar, and others appear desperate or in retreat. These figures represent American and Western imperialists, depicted as weak and ineffective, in contrast to the disciplined and confident Chinese soldiers above.
The large red text at the bottom reads: “美国侵略者必败” which translates to “American aggressors will be defeated.” This message reflects the anti-American sentiment of the early Cold War period, particularly during the Korean War and ongoing U.S.-China tensions. The poster likely dates to the 1950s or 1960s, a time when the Chinese government heavily promoted the idea of resisting U.S. imperialism and asserting China's strength on the world stage.
The artistic style is typical of socialist realism, with bold red and yellow tones symbolizing revolution and military strength. The composition positions the heroic PLA soldiers as dominant, while the Western figures appear disorganized and weak, reinforcing the message of Chinese superiority over foreign aggressors. The imagery aligns with Maoist propaganda themes of self-reliance, revolutionary struggle, and the inevitable victory of communist forces over imperialist enemies.
Condition: Poster is in fine to very fine condition with subtle horizontal folds and a small tear in the lower margin.
Inventory #92991
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