Victory of the Garden
Introductory Film: Time of the Garden
Government-endorsed gardening has a long-standing political and ideological role in American history. Dating back to the days of Thomas Jefferson's presidency, government-endorsed gardening is a tactic has been used to encourage populations to grow their own food during times of war as well as during times of peace.
The most successful application of a government-endorsed gardening program took place during the Second World War. It is remembered as the victory garden. The home front population was encouraged to grow vegetables wherever they could: in their own backyards, in vacant lots with their neighbors, or even in larger plots, like on a farm. The goal was to produce as much food as possible to supplement rations, as well as allow the government to send food to American soldiers and United States' Allies.
After the end of World War II, the idea of the victory garden never fully died away. In fact it continues to be remembered and alluded to in our current society today. Victory gardens show up in both popular and political culture. They inspire television shows, music, political speeches, and books. Time has moved on but the legacy of the victory garden continues.
The purpose of this website is to show the significance of the WorldWar II victory garden and the way that it has been and continues to be remembered in our society today.
Featured Item
Plant a Victory Garden
This poster portrays a family tending a victory garden. This propaganda poster was used to encourage the World war II home front population to grow…
Recently Added Items
Timeline: The Rise of Government Endorsed Gardening (Part 2 of 2)
This timeline highlights the major periods in American history where the government endorsed and encouraged the United States to participate in the…
Share This If You Think Every School Should Have A Garden: Grow Food Not Lawns (1 of 2)
This image depicts children learning about how to grow their own food. It was posted on a social media site in order to draw attention to the…
Share This If You Think Every School Should Have A Garden: Grow Food Not Lawns (Part 2 of 2)
This post accompanies the photo that depicts children learning about how to grow their own food. It was posted on a social media site in order to draw…
The Readington Community Garden, Readington Township, New Jersey
New Jersey community working their community garden. In our current time, government-endorsed gardening has once again become an important political…
Let's Move
Let's Move, youth at the White House Kitchen garden. In our current time, government-endorsed gardening has once again become an important political…
Great Soil for a Great Garden
White house employees fertilizing the garden. In our current time, government-endorsed gardening has once again become an important political policy.…
The White House Team
White House employees tending the garden. In our current time, government-endorsed gardening has once again become an important political policy.…
The White House Team
White house employees tending the garden. In our current time, government-endorsed gardening has once again become an important political policy.…