Final answer:
U.S. naval recruitment posters highlighted important sailor characteristics such as valor, protectiveness, and participation in moral crusades. The USS Constitution's evasion from the British Navy exemplified sailor prowess and national pride. Recruitment efforts underscored sailors' bravery and determination crucial for naval victories and upholding national honor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on U.S. naval recruitment posters, some important characteristics of sailors include their prowess, their role as protectors, and their participation in moral crusades. Alfred Mahan, a naval theorist, believed that naval power was a crucial element of a nation's strength, and sailors played a vital role in representing that power. Additionally, recruitment materials during World War I positioned sailors and soldiers as defenders of freedom and honor, particularly towards women as seen in gendered messages, which required attributes such as bravery, chivalry, and patriotism.
A poignant example of sailors' capabilities is the USS Constitution or "Old Ironsides," which symbolized American ingenuity and maritime prowess by out-sailing the British Navy during the blockade. Such successes, while not directly related to the Revolutionary War, showcase the national pride in sailors' skills and heroics. As conveyed through American propaganda, such as recruitment posters, sailors were expected to embody the grit and determination necessary to face adversities and win battles.