Before the United States’ late entry into World War I, the federal government devised a plan to finance the massive war effort. One third of the funding would come from the imposition of progressive new taxes, while two thirds would come from selling “Liberty Bonds” to the American people.

To convince the public to buy these bonds, the government embarked on a publicity campaign of unprecedented scale.

Millions of billboards, fliers and ads sprouted up around the country, exhorting patriotic Americans to prove their devotion to their country by lending their dollars to the fight.

October 25, 1917 was “Liberty Day” in New York City. A three-engine Caproni bomber plane flew low among the skyscrapers, dropping paper bombs with the message “A Liberty Bond in your home will keep German bombs out of your home.”

A parade of military motorcycles, armored cars and tanks rumbled up Fifth Avenue to Central Park, where a captured German U-boat lay festooned with American flags.

The beached submarine was ceremoniously rechristened “U-Buy-A-Bond” as a crowd of thousands looked on and opened their wallets.