Entitled: "Columbia calls - Enlist now for U.S. Army". Poster showing Columbia holding a flag and a sword while standing on top of a globe. Prior to the outbreak of WWI, military recruitment in the US was conducted primarily by individual states. Upon entering the war, however, the federal government took on an increased role. The increased emphasis on a national effort was reflected in World War I recruitment methods. There were basic appeals to these recruitment campaigns: patriotism, job/career/education, adventure/challenge, social status, and travel. Between 1915 and 1918, 42% of all army recruitment posters were themed primarily by patriotism. Columbia is a historical and poetic name used for the United Columbia was largely displaced as the female symbol of the U.S. by the Statue of Liberty around 1920. Artist Vincent Aderente, 1917.