World War I Scenes series (T121) issued by Sweet Caporal Cigarettes

Due to advances in printing technology that began in the nineteenth century, propaganda flourished in the form of posters and business cards during World War I. Business cards were a popular way for businesses to market their products, and they frequently incorporated enticing illustrations to foster consumer loyalty. T121 trade cards supplied in Sweet Caporal cigarette packs demonstrate the unusual merging of modern technology with classic military techniques, such as carrier pigeons that carry messages in code written on their feathers. These collectibles were used for advertising, but they also had an educational component and were meant to disseminate information about all aspects of the conflict.