Still frame of Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd in Any Bonds Today? (1942), a Warner Bros. cartoon produced with the United States Treasury Department to promote the purchase of war bonds
At the time of WWII, American’s could not escape the global grasp of war which affected almost every aspect of life. As an effort to increase morale and raise funds, in the form of war bonds, animation played a major role in the effort. Cartoon heroes like Superman and Captain America offered escapism and patriotism during this bleak time.
War bonds perhaps received the most advertising and press. Animated cartoons allowed the government to spread their message in a much more entertaining manner. Bugs Bunny Bond Rally was a classic cartoon depicting Bugs Bunny singing and dancing around war bonds. It was during this time that Bugs achieved his popularity.
Bugs’ became an American cultural icon, and one of the most recognizable characters in the world; starring in more than 160 cartoon shorts produced between 1940 and 1964.
