The Origins of 'Keep Calm and Carry On'

In this tumultuous world we live in today, it's easy to forget that the phrase 'Keep Calm and Carry On' wasn't always a ubiquitous slogan plastered on everything from mugs to t-shirts. In fact, its origins date back to World War II, when it was first coined by Britain's wartime propaganda department, the Ministry of Information.

The story begins in 1939, when the shadow Ministry of Information began developing a series of posters to be issued in the event of war. The three key messages created were 'Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory,' 'Freedom is in Peril Defend it with all Your Might,' and 'Keep Calm and Carry On.' Of these, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' was chosen for its clear message of 'sober restraint,' which was thought to be essential during times of war.

Despite being one of the three key messages developed by the Ministry of Information, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' was never officially issued or seen by the public. In fact, the poster featuring this phrase was never even printed until a copy was discovered in a bookshop in Northumberland in 2000. Reproductions of the poster began to be sold just a year later, and it wasn't long before its fame was established.

So, how did 'Keep Calm and Carry On' go from being a forgotten wartime slogan to becoming a global phenomenon? The answer lies in its timeless message of resilience and determination. Despite being created during a time of war, the phrase has managed to transcend its historical context and become a rallying cry for people all over the world.

Today, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' is used to sell everything from mugs to flight bags and baby clothes. It's hard to believe that a wartime slogan from 1939, which was never seen by the public, has re-emerged 75 years later and become such an integral part of modern popular culture.

The origins of 'Keep Calm and Carry On' serve as a reminder of the power of language and the impact that simple phrases can have on our lives. Whether you're facing a personal struggle or dealing with the challenges of everyday life, the message of this phrase is one that we can all relate to: keep calm, stay strong, and carry on.

Keep calm carry on origin